On Reflection

Nic Volenz is a nightwalker, an abomination in the eyes of the Temple who must drink blood to survive. It was never his choice to be such a creature, and now after two hundred years of painful existence, he wants only to end it all. He plans to return home, where it all began, and say goodbye to the few good memories he has left before greeting the sun. His mind full of memories, some good, some bad, Nic retraces the steps his life took in the city of Volenzkya, reinforcing his desire to end it all -- until he meets Maxim, a young man whose passion for life, and Nic, rekindles Nic’s need for a connection with all he thought he had lost.

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Stevie Woods

Lance Zarimba

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on

RefLection

stevie Woods

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This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental. Copyright 2011 by Stevie Woods (originally copyrighted 2008) All rights reserved, including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form. Published by MLR Press, LLC 3052 Gaines Waterport Rd. Albion, NY 14411 Visit ManLoveRomance Press, LLC on the Internet: www.mlrpress.com Cover Art by Winterheart Designs Editing by Kris Jacen Print format ISBN# 978-1-60820-329-1 Also available in ebook format ISBN# 978-1-60820-330-7 Issued 2011 This book is licensed to the original purchaser only. Duplication or distribution via any means is illegal and a violation of International Copyright Law, subject to criminal prosecution and upon conviction, fines and/or imprisonment. This eBook cannot be legally loaned or given to others. No part of this eBook can be shared or reproduced without the express permission of the publisher.

PRoLogue Abruptly, he stood up, threw a few coins on the table, and stalked out of the tavern. What the hell was he doing? It was all so pointless. He was just marking time; there was no reason for any of this. He stopped in the middle of the path, silently admitting to himself just how sterile his existence was. He had no hopes, no dreams, no goals. What was it all for? He answered his own question: Nothing. It was all for nothing. He lifted his head and looked at the sky above, dark and foreboding with storm clouds gathering. He smiled grimly. Well, if he wanted confirmation… He made the decision on that dark street and felt the pressure melt away. He knew what he had to do, what he needed to do. Go back to where it all began so very long ago, before he became the worldly Nic Volenz; to when he was the poor foundling Nicolo d’Volenzkya, named for the street and city where he had been abandoned. It would be spring now in Volenzkya, and he needed to see home, to feel its familiarity, its warmth, one last time before he bid a final farewell to his existence. It was probably maudlin, but he didn’t care. Nic had been struggling with himself over this for months, years, even; another few weeks or so wouldn’t matter. Swiftly changing direction, he headed for the docks. It didn’t matter that it was the middle of the night; there was always a watch on the ships, and he could find out which vessel was heading for Volenzkya. It was only a four-day journey by sea to the capital city, and he could comfortably stay in his cabin for that short period of time without arousing suspicion, claiming to be a poor sailor. He was back at the house where he was staying an hour before dawn, having arranged passage on a ship leaving the next evening. Nic had taken the precaution of feeding on his way back

2 Stevie Woods from the docks; he didn’t wish to risk needing to feed on board ship. He hadn’t had an attendant for the last few months and he soon packed his own bag. Traveling light was a habit of his now. Standing by the window, he watched the sun slowly lift above the horizon and knew he had made the right choice. He would go home, say goodbye to the places that meant something to him, and then let everything go. He was almost surprised to find that he wasn’t afraid; he felt at peace for the first time in one hundred and eighty years.

chAPteR one Volenzkya As he looked up at the soaring towers of the huge Temple, Nic couldn’t help but smile. An enduring testament to the past glory of the city, they called it. If the building was enduring, what did that make him? He remembered the Duke laying the first stone amidst the prayers of the priests and priestesses and the cheers of the crowds. So much was different, and yet everything was the same. The smile faded when he thought perhaps only he had changed; changed from the young man who was desperate for experience, desperate to know everything that was knowable. Oh, he had learned, he had learned far too much, and how he had counted the cost. Shaking his head to get rid of the troublesome thoughts, Nic quickened his pace and strode purposefully through the increasingly narrow streets, feeling as if he was marching back in time. If only he could put the clock back, if only he could go back to those days he had spent in this very city with Paolo. He should have died all those years ago with Paolo, instead of continuing to exist as the unclean thing he was. Almost a hundred years he had existed before he met Paolo; “lived,” he called it back then, before he came to understand that he really was undead. People like Paolo; they were truly alive, because one had to be alive to be able to die. Nic couldn’t die; he had passed that long ago. All a nightwalker could do was cease to exist. For well over another hundred years after Paolo had died he had continued to exist, never again finding another to love the way he had with Paolo. For a long time he had hoped he would again find someone who could look at him with compassion and understanding, but eventually even that slender hope had died. All he had now were memories, and they were no longer enough to sustain him. As soon as the sun had dipped below the horizon, Nic had

4 Stevie Woods ventured out; heading for the city center, but it wasn’t long before his feet led him to the docks again. He’d not had the opportunity to properly study his surroundings when his ship had dropped anchor in the bay, because there was no dock space free, meaning the passengers had to be rowed ashore. By that time the sun was almost up, and he needed to get under cover quickly. He took a room at the nearest inn, as rough as it was. He had no interest in what the place was like as long as it provided him shelter for the short time he had left. Dusk was falling as Nic stood on the dock overlooking the vast harbor, even larger now than the last time he had seen it. Of course, that had been over a hundred years ago, so what else could he expect? When he looked out over the sea, however, he saw a different view. He saw the harbor as he remembered it, though not from roughly a hundred years in the past, but from two hundred years ago, when he had been a raw youth of thirteen summers trying to escape with his bounty. §§§ A tall, thin, callow boy ran along the wooden planking of the docks, the hunk of bread he’d stolen clasped tightly in his fist. Heart beating in his chest, partly from fear and partly from the exertion, Nicolo darted between a stack of crates, cargo waiting to be loaded on one of the docked ships, only to be shocked when he ran into someone. Yelling out, half-expecting a blow, Nicolo attempted to twist past the man, but a large hand had grabbed at his tattered clothing and hung on. “What have we here?” the man queried, pulling Nicolo back against him, one strong arm holding the boy tight against his sturdy body. “Let go!” Nicolo squirmed, but abruptly understood the man wasn’t going to let him loose. Afraid that the man would turn him over to the baker, who would at best beat him, at worst turn him over to the watch, Nicolo looked at up at the man holding

on RefLection 5 him. “Please, please let me go. I mean no harm, I’m just hungry.” Nicolo used his large dark eyes as best as he could, letting his lip tremble a little, too, knowing it made him look helpless. The man laughed heartily. “Oh, but you’re a smart rascal, too, aren’t you?” Still not letting him go, the man looked Nicolo over carefully, even turning him a little to push up his torn tunic and look at his back. “Avoided most of the bruises, I see. Smart and quick. The captain could make good use of you, I think,” he added thoughtfully. Nicolo frowned, not understanding what the man was talking about, but afraid he might have run from the frying pan into the fire. “What do you want with me? Don’t hurt me, please. I won’t make any trouble.” Nicolo kept his voice low, not knowing why, but sensing he ought to be careful with this stranger. “I’m not going to hurt you, boy. I’m offering you a chance to get off these streets, to do honest work. Sleep in a bed and have regular meals in return. You can earn a little payment, too, in time, when you can pull your own weight. Isn’t that better than thieving just to live, and risk ending up at the end of a rope or on the execution block for your pains?” “Not my fault I have to steal,” Nicolo grumbled, not being taken in by the promised future. It was too much, too easy. “They threw me out when I got too big; they said I ate too much. I was only twelve. Is it my doing I’m big for my age, I ask you?” “The foundling home?” There was sympathy in the stranger’s voice. Nicolo looked up at the man again, searching his eyes, trying to decide what he really wanted. “Yes,” Nicolo answered. “They were always talking about how lucky I was to be looked after, how I was a fortunate child that the Divinity had saved. If I was so fortunate, why didn’t I have any parents? Why was I abandoned without even a name of my own? Found on Santa Nicholas Street, I was, so they call me Nicolo.” The memory still stung; it seemed to Nicolo that he was destined to be forever abandoned. “Still, I’m pleased to meet you, Nicolo d’Volenzkya.” The man

6 Stevie Woods released Nicolo, holding his gaze as he continued, “My name is Phillipe Donato, and I am second mate on the clipper Oreole. Will you accept my offer; make a better way in this life?” Nicolo looked at Phillipe, disbelief gnawing at him, even as hope grew in his heart. “You meant what you said? A place of my own to sleep, food to eat? For good, honest work?” “Yes, I meant every word. Someone was kind to me once when I really needed it, and I swore to repay the favor one day.” “And you—you don’t want—anything else from me? I…” Nicolo backed away a little. “Someone tried. I’m not that kind of...” “No, Nicolo, I’m not that kind either,” Phillipe interrupted sharply. “You won’t be touched, I swear.” Phillipe actually smiled then. “Unless you earn the captain’s wrath, but that’s something we all risk. Come with me on board the ship. You will earn your keep, I assure you. The work is hard and you have much to learn, but one day you can proudly say that you are a sailor.” “A sailor? I have dreamed of seeing other places. I saw pictures in a book once of far away lands. They are real? You have seen these places?” Nicolo asked excitedly. Phillipe took hold of Nicolo’s arm, but gently, as he led the ragged boy out from among the crates and back onto the dock. Nicolo darted a look around, praying the baker was no longer looking for him. “Oh, I’ve seen more places than you have ever heard of, boy,” Phillipe was saying. “The stories I could tell you.” He grinned then. “But Captain Costalla, he’s been to places you’ve never even dreamed of.” Nicolo looked at the mate with fascination now. He’d heard all his life that Volenzkya was the center of the world, the capital city of a vast empire, but all he ever saw were the same dirty streets and the poor folk eking out a living in the shadow of the huge, grand buildings where people lived like lords. Places people like him couldn’t get near, let alone enter. The ‘world’ he heard talk of might just as well be across the wide blue sea that he could

on RefLection 7 see from the top of the foundling home, for all the good it did him. But still he could dream of something better, and he had long wished to escape the drudgery of his life for the adventure to be found on the large ships that swept in and out of the harbor day after day. It was one of the reasons he used the docks to hide out and make his base after he was thrown out of the foundling home. Hoping that, one day, he could leave on one of those ships and see the world beyond his tiny portion of it. Now, it looked as his long-held dream was about to become reality.

chAPteR tWo And it did. Nicolo started out as a cabin boy, fetching and carrying for the captain, serving his meals and looking after his clothes and equipment. The captain was a garrulous man who was happy to regale the eager boy with stories of his voyages. And Phillipe had been true to his word. Nicolo was treated well, and over the next few years was taught everything he needed to become a very competent sailor. One of the things he treasured most was being taught to read. Phillipe had remembered how much those simple pictures had meant to the underprivileged boy, and wanted to show him how words could paint even more vivid pictures. Nicolo soon came to love the power of words, and he would be forever grateful to Phillipe for opening yet another door for him. When Nicolo was eighteen, Captain Costalla died when the Oreole was attacked by pirates after the ship was blown into dangerous waters by a storm. By that time Phillipe was already first mate, and he took over as captain. Nicolo’s relationship with Phillipe had developed over the years, and Nicolo looked on the man as the nearest thing to family he had ever had. He wasn’t sure exactly how Phillipe thought about him, but to Nicolo, Phillipe was the older brother life had denied him. Nicolo looked up to the man and followed his lead almost slavishly. It was only later that Nicolo realized that if Phillipe hadn’t been such an honorable man, he could have taken advantage of the adoring boy he had been. As it was, Phillipe groomed him to become an officer in the Volenzkya merchant navy. It was about the same time Phillipe became the captain that Nicolo came to understand that he had no interest in the women who swarmed the ship whenever it called into port. He was confused at first, not understanding his feelings, or rather lack of them, regarding the women that the other sailors virtually pounced on when they came aboard. At least, not until the night

10 Stevie Woods he saw two men in an alley behind a hostelry on the docks. Nicolo had been drinking with some of his shipmates, but when they all paired off with doxies he felt uncomfortable and left the inn, meaning to return to the ship. When he passed the alley at the side of the building he heard noises, and he thought for a moment someone was being attacked. He carefully edged forward, trying to get a better look before he did anything. What he witnessed did have a kind of violence of its own, but it was clearly welcomed by both parties. One man had the other shoved face first against the brick wall, his trews pulled down to his knees. His jacket was bunched up roughly by the arm wrapped around him from behind, pulling his ass into the man pressed against his back. The man behind also had his trews shoved down, his other hand gripping the naked hip of the man in front as he thrust his cock deep inside. The man before him was moaning, but not in pain. Even as Nicolo watched, the man pushed up against the wall grabbed his own cock, sliding it roughly through his fist in time to the man behind slamming his hard length between his partner’s buttocks. His mouth open in awe as he watched, Nicolo was assaulted by the sounds and smells of the two men rutting with each other. He was shocked, less by what he saw than by what he felt. He wasn’t repulsed by what he watched; rather, he was aroused by it, especially when he saw how much each man enjoyed what was happening. There was roughness in the way they pushed and shoved at each other, but it was welcomed, enjoyed by the men. Nicolo’s cock had quickly filled as he observed; and now as the men climaxed, one inside the other as the second man shot against the wall, Nicolo’s length was rock hard and almost painful. His hand slid down to touch himself, and he wondered what it would feel like for another man to touch him, or, even more exciting, what it would feel like to touch another man. Heat flowed through him at the thought, and suddenly feeling guilty for spying on the two unsuspecting men, he turned and moved away as quickly as he could in his aroused state. Finding a quiet spot away out of sight, Nicolo freed his

on RefLection 11 cock and began to bring himself off. He closed his eyes and immediately his imagination was filled with images of the two men fucking against the alley wall. Nicolo had to clamp his mouth shut to keep his cries inside when his orgasm hit, more powerful than he could ever remember having before. If he’d had any doubts about his sexual leanings, they were gone now. §§§ His first experience of the touch of another man wasn’t exactly what he’d expected. The quick fumble in the cable-tier when they both had to be quiet was too rough, ready, and rushed to be anything other than disappointing. The sailor he was with was only a little older than Nicolo, and though Roberto bragged of his experience, the proof wasn’t evident when he finally got his hands on Nicolo’s penis. However, with enthusiastic pulling and rubbing, they did manage to get one another off and were motivated enough to want to try it again. Nicolo couldn’t claim to think of Roberto as anything other than a friend, a particularly special friend it had to be said; he felt closer to the young sailor than anyone other than Phillipe. The two young men enjoyed each other’s company, and bodies, as often as they could and together they put into practice everything they knew or imagined that two men could do together. Sometimes they didn’t get it right, but they even had fun finding out what didn’t work. By the time they were confident enough, and trusted each other enough, to try penetration, they’d done enough experimenting to make it almost perfect. Almost, because Nicolo believed if he had feelings for his partner, real, deep feelings, it would be something more, something special. The thought occurred that he was being fanciful, but he couldn’t let go of the idea. Nicolo didn’t know what Phillipe thought of his proclivities; the captain had never mentioned it, although Nicolo was sure he knew what he and Roberto got up to. Captain Donato didn’t miss a thing that happened on board his ship. Relationships between men were frowned on in polite society,

12 Stevie Woods but a company of sailors, who could be at sea for months on end without ever seeing a female, could hardly be called polite, and men were sexual creatures after all. Not all of the sailors could wait to get between a woman’s legs as soon as the ship docked, and weren’t averse to the company of their own gender during the dark hours on board ship. Nicolo had wondered on more than one occasion if Phillipe was always alone in the privacy of his cabin late at night. During one particularly long voyage when Roberto was ill and confined by the ship’s doctor, Nicolo had been feeling especially lonely. One night, when he had drunk too much ship’s grog, he had even contemplated seeking out Phillipe for physical comfort. Yet, when he stood in front of the captain’s door, Nicolo suddenly wondered what the hell he was doing. He really didn’t feel like that about Phillipe, and he could be risking ruining the most important friendship of his life for a quick rut. Grumblingly chiding himself for his stupidity, Nicolo wended his way back to his hammock, where he satisfied himself instead.

chAPteR thRee Nicolo’s life continued much the same for the next few years. As Phillipe had planned, Nicolo progressed in the merchant navy, and by the time he was twenty-five he was second mate on board the Oreole. Phillipe confided that he expected Nicolo would be ready to take over as captain when Phillipe finally decided it was time to retire. Nicolo was both excited and saddened at the prospect. He wanted nothing better than to captain his own vessel, but daily life without Phillipe’s presence seemed a cold prospect. “My boy, you cannot live your life only through your association with me,” Phillipe told him, shaking his head. “Perhaps I have been wrong to always keep you close, but I prided myself on being the best person to teach you. Pride, indeed.” “No, Phillipe, you are indeed the best teacher I could have had. In this, too, you are right, I know. I…” Nicolo smiled. “I just can’t imagine you staying on the dock while I sail away. Whatever will you do with your time?” “Run an inn,” Phillipe answered immediately. “An inn?” Nicolo was surprised. Phillipe smiled. “So you will have cause to visit me when you dock.” “I won’t need an excuse to call on you, Phillipe, you know that.” “No,” Phillipe said quietly, “but it’ll also be somewhere safe in port for you to meet your… friends.” The slight but very obvious hesitation before the word friends made Nicolo glance sharply at Phillipe. “You know? I always thought perhaps you did,” Nicolo said softly. “I’d hoped it was experimentation, and then desperation, but I came to realize it was neither.”

14 Stevie Woods “Are you disappointed in me?” asked Nicolo, his voice still low. “No. You can’t help the desires that you find natural. Just don’t advertise them when you’re ashore.” It meant more to Nicolo than even he had expected that Phillipe didn’t despise him for his sexual proclivities. He wanted to embrace his friend, but felt that this was one time it might not be appropriate. Instead, he simply nodded. §§§ It was almost four years later when Phillipe decided his next voyage was going to be his last. Phillipe told Nicolo of his decision as they walked through the streets of Volenzkya on their way to a revel. They, together with a couple of the other officers from the Oreole, were guests of another captain who was celebrating his good fortune in salvaging a ship which had been abandoned by her crew when they thought she was going to founder in a severe storm. Captain Aldini had come across the vessel, damaged but still seaworthy. He had sent a skeleton crew on board and brought both ships home. The value of the cargo and ship had been worth a fortune, and Aldini was a now rich man, even after giving a share to every member of his crew. The captain had hired one of the larger, more salubrious hostelries in Volenzkya and opened its door to the captains and officers of every ship in port. Captain Donato was an old friend of Aldini, and Phillipe and Nicolo were greeted with wide smiles and much back slapping before tankards overflowing with ale were thrust into their hands. It wasn’t long before Nicolo was separated from Phillipe in the press of people overflowing from the inn, and Nicolo found himself in the courtyard of the large building, grateful for a breath of air. He leaned back against a wall, sipping his beverage and watching a group of men who were surrounding another man. For a moment Nicolo wondered if it was the beginning of an altercation, and debated if he wanted to get involved, or if he felt

on RefLection 15 too lazy to do more than watch. Then, suddenly, the group burst into laughter, and as they separated somewhat, Nicolo saw the man at the center. He felt as if his heart had stopped beating. He had never seen such an attractive man. He was taller than Nicolo’s own six feet two, with long, chestnut-brown hair tied back at his nape. He was slim, yet exuded a power that Nicolo felt like a physical force. As if aware he was being watched, the man turned slightly and stared directly at Nicolo. It was then that Nicolo noted the stranger’s eyes were grey, not the brown he had expected. Nicolo couldn’t explain why he found the man so totally mesmerizing, but he’d never reacted to another man the way he did to this one. With a quick comment and a flick of his wrist, the stranger walked from the circle of men surrounding him, ignoring the many entreaties thrown at him to stay. Instead, he moved directly toward Nicolo, the stranger gazing steadily at him. Nicolo felt that he couldn’t turn away, that he would miss something vital if he did. “I’ve not seen you before,” the stranger said as he stood toe to toe with Nicolo. The man’s voice was low, seductive, and totally enthralling. Nicolo found himself staring at the man’s mouth, waiting for more delicious words to slide from that throat. The man’s lips curled into a smile and he continued, “My name is Andreas Corsini, and you are?” Nicolo knew he should say something, but his tongue seemed stuck to the roof of his mouth. “You do have a name?” Andreas asked with a touch of amusement. “Nicolo d’Volenzkya,” Nicolo managed to reply huskily. What was it about this man that was so affecting? Nicolo couldn’t take his eyes from him. “d’Volenzkya? You are either very influential or a foundling.” Andreas raised his eyebrow, still smiling. A little stung, Nicolo rallied to answer, “I can’t claim to be influential, but I am good at what I do. I am first mate, soon to

16 Stevie Woods be captain, of the Oreole.” Andreas smiled, nodding his agreement. “Good, it is good to be proud of oneself, one’s abilities. If you are not proud of who you are, why should anyone else be? I am pleased to meet you, Nico. I may call you Nico, may I not? I would like to think we could be friends.” “I have never been known as Nico. My closest friend has always called me Nicolo.” He was confused, yet not wanting to refuse this man anything. “Then I shall be the first and consider it an honor—Nico.” Andreas bowed, unexpectedly taking hold of Nicolo’s hand. For a moment Nicolo half-expected Andreas to kiss it, but instead, lips barely a whisker from his hand, Andreas lifted his eyes and stared deeply into Nicolo’s face. Nicolo had never felt the desperate need he did for this man, this stranger, to touch him, to caress him, to kiss him. Staring at Andreas’ mouth, Nicolo wanted to know what those tempting lips would feel like on his mouth, on his skin. Nicolo was on fire and wanted that mouth to quench his longing. It was almost a shock to realize Andreas was speaking, and Nicolo had to force himself to listen. “…and I would very much like to get to know you better, Nico, but I have an appointment this evening. Perhaps we could meet tomorrow? Here, at nine?” As he spoke, Andreas held out his hand, and Nicolo automatically took it. “You have to leave? Now?” Nicolo queried, disappointed. Then he felt Andreas’ fingers move against his palm, sliding toward his inner wrist, the caress firm and seductive. Nicolo drew in a breath, unconsciously leaning toward Andreas as he did so. Andreas met him halfway, their lips brushing so gently that Nicolo might have thought he dreamt it, if not for the sensations that poured through his body, tingling along every nerve, tightening his nipples and filling his cock. “I wish it were not necessary,” Andreas murmured, his breath gusting over Nicolo’s lips, “but yes, I must leave. You will be here,

on RefLection 17 tomorrow? I want to continue our… conversation. I want you… to know all about you. Everything, yes?” “Yes, yes, of course. I will be waiting for you,” Nicolo replied breathlessly, his heart beating a tattoo against his rib cage. Couldn’t Andreas hear it? Andreas smiled, and Nicolo thought he had never seen anything so beautiful. Andreas released him and Nicolo’s hand reached for him, not wanting to lose the contact, but Andreas was moving away very swiftly. When he reached the gate of the inn, Andreas turned back to stare at Nicolo, giving a brief smile before flicking his cloak over his shoulder and striding out of sight. Nicolo stood as if turned to stone, unable—unwilling—to move, as if he expected Andreas to return at any moment. A hand fell on his shoulder and he started, turning swiftly. Wideeyed, he stared at Phillipe. “Nicolo, I’ve been calling you, but you seemed… Are you all right? You look very pale,” Phillipe said, frowning. “I… I. I’m fine,” Nicolo said. He felt anything but fine, yet how could he explain to Phillipe how confused he was when he didn’t really understand his own feelings? There was no point trying to explain to Phillipe how affected he had been by the strange, fascinating man who had just walked away from him. Nicolo didn’t think his friend would understand just how desperately he hoped that Andreas would be at the inn the next evening. §§§ Nicolo’s dreams that night were invaded by glimpses of a dark man with flowing hair who continually seemed to be moving away from him. Nicolo called out, but the man kept walking away. Just once he turned back, and Nicolo was pinned and held by a pair of penetrating grey eyes. When he finally awoke, Nicolo was drenched in sweat and so hard it was almost painful. Desperately needing release, Nicolo fisted his cock, working himself hard, gasping Andreas’ name when he came.

18 Stevie Woods He had the day to himself, since he wasn’t due back on duty on the Oreole for two days. He soon came to wish he had work to occupy himself, though; anything to take his mind from the captivating man he had met the night before. Nicolo wasn’t even sure why he was so enthralled by Andreas. By the Divine, he knew next to nothing about the man! He only knew he was literally counting the hours until they would meet again. Nicolo arrived at the inn early, unable to wait any longer. He ordered an ale and propped up the bar, watching the door. Waiting. Part of him knew he ought not to appear so desperate; he should sit in a quiet corner somewhere, his back to the door, but he was totally unable to play such a game. He was drawn to watch for the arrival of the bewitching Andreas. He didn’t know what he would do if the man failed to keep their assignation. Yes, he did; he would track him down. He had to see Andreas again, he had to. As the hour of nine approached, Nicolo’s nerves were tearing him to shreds. He began to get the awful feeling that Andreas was not going to appear, and he felt as if his heart was crawling up into his throat. What was wrong with him? Why should he feel so frantic to see this man? The door opened, and all of Nicolo’s questions and doubts vanished when Andreas walked in. Unbidden, Nicolo quickly closed the distance between them. “You said you’d be waiting,” Andreas said, a smile gracing his lips as he reached out to squeeze Nicolo’s arm, “but I wasn’t sure if you would be.” Nicolo smiled back. “Yes, you were,” he replied softly. Andreas met Nicolo’s gaze before, with a slight nod, he said, “Come, we will walk. I would like to know more about how a waif from the streets of the city has risen to become captain of one of our finest merchant vessels.” Without another word Andreas turned and left the inn, Nicolo following him. It never occurred to him not to. Not until many hours later, and then it no longer mattered.

on RefLection 19 They walked a short way in silence, Nicolo feeling unaccountably at ease with the man about whom he knew next to nothing. The noise of the inn had long faded into the darkness before Andreas asked his first question. “You never knew your parents? Your family?” “No, I was left on the steps of a church as a baby, the one on St. Nicholas, hence my name. The nearest thing I have to family is my friend, Phillipe. He took me under his wing when I was a youth, and I guess you could say he’s like a brother to me.” Nicolo was perplexed by why he was telling this total stranger such personal things about his past. It was something he usually kept quiet about. Andreas continued to ply him with questions about his past, and Nicolo found himself telling Andreas how he had risen through the ranks and gained the opportunity to become captain. “Do you want to be a sailor the rest of your life?” Andreas asked. Nicolo looked at him, surprised at the question. It had really never occurred to him that he should, that he could do anything else with his life. The sea was all he knew. He really didn’t know what to say, but it seemed that Andreas didn’t really expect an answer, because he just smiled at Nicolo and continued to walk. Looking around, Nicolo realized they had walked to one of the very high-class parts of the city, and he wondered why Andreas had brought him to such a place. They had reached a large pair of ornate gates, and Andreas stopped. “Will you come inside with me? I would like to show you something.” His voice was pitched low. Nicolo looked at the gates set in the high wall. He knew that beyond them would be the lush grounds surrounding one of the large mansions of the nobility, and he was puzzled. “Who are you really? And what do you want with a simple sailor?” “I told you my name, but what I didn’t say was that the Corsini are first cousins to the Bolonska family. This is one of their palaces, and I always stay here when I am in the city.”

20 Stevie Woods Andreas smiled that enticing smile of his again. “Don’t worry; there are no other family members at home at the moment. Just my servant, Manolo, and I.” Nicolo had thought he recognized the design inlaid into the gates. The Bolonska family was one of the most powerful in Volenzkya. It was widely believed that they helped rule the empire from behind the scenes. If Andreas was a member of that family, it wouldn’t be wise to alienate him. But when Nicolo looked at Andreas and met those eyes, thoughts of political expediency fled from his mind. “Come,” Andreas said softly. He reached out and took Nicolo’s hand and, pushing open the gate, led Nicolo inside. “I am very grateful I decided to invite myself to the inn last night. I wouldn’t like to think that I might have missed meeting you, sweet Nico.” “Oh, I thought you were a guest, that you knew Captain Aldini.” Andreas laughed. “No, I simply decided to go out for a walk. It was such a lovely night. Manolo wanted me to take the carriage, but I wanted to taste the night air. You understand that, I am sure. I am particularly fond of the night.” “Well, yes, I can understand why you might prefer to walk rather than ride.” “And the night?” Nicolo was thoughtful. “The night can be very beautiful, yes, but then so can the day. The sun shining on the sea, bringing out all the…” “Yes, yes, but the night. It has such mystery, such passion.” He stopped and turned around to face Nicolo, who watched him with wide eyes. “Let me show you,” Andreas whispered. Suddenly, too fast for Nicolo to realize it was happening, Nicolo found himself wrapped tight in Andreas’ arms. Andreas kissed him and Nicolo’s knees went from under him, but Andreas held him upright and he continued to plunder Nicolo’s mouth. Nicolo had never felt anything remotely like this before. His

on RefLection 21 senses swam and his body felt as if it no longer belonged to him. Then a hand pressed firmly against his groin through his clothes, and he felt the sparks of desire slam through him. Gasping, he broke away from the kiss. “Andreas,” he breathed. From a long distance away he heard laughter, and then his name murmured, before he felt lips latch onto his throat. Heat slid through him and he sighed, angling his neck to allow Andreas easier access. Andreas licked his skin, murmuring, “So fine, Nico, you taste as fine as I knew you would.” The licks became nips, tiny at first and then a little deeper as Andreas moved a little higher up his neck. Each contact sent wisps of sensation searing through him. “Oh, Andreas,” Nicolo moaned. “More, please, oh Divinity, more.” Andreas pulled back, laughing. “Oh, my sweet, I can give you so much more. You want it, don’t you? You want to really experience life, don’t you? There is so much more than you know. I can show you. You want that, don’t you?” Andreas kissed him, forcing his lips open, plundering his mouth with short jabbing motions. Nicolo wasn’t sure what Andreas was saying, what he was talking about, but he didn’t really care. He felt wonderful, and he wanted more, wanted everything that Andreas offered. He felt hands pulling at his clothes and, laughing, he began to tug at Andreas’ clothes too. It didn’t matter that they were outside, in the gardens of the large house where there were so many bedrooms. He wanted it here, now. Soon they were both naked and lying on the grass, neither of them feeling the cool night air. Nicolo was only aware of the heat of the body of the man lying on top of him, holding his hands over his head. They rocked against each other. Andreas kissed him again, Nicolo lost in the sensations rolling through him. Nicolo was almost surprised when he felt Andreas nudge at him to lift his hips so he could slide a finger under him, searching for his opening; but he only moaned with anticipation. He

22 Stevie Woods wanted this, he wanted this so much. He arched off the ground when Andreas pushed a finger inside him. Everything went away when Andreas’ hot mouth engulfed his cock, and he cried out as his orgasm tore through him. He was still panting when Andreas breached him in one firm thrust and he cried out again, this time with the abrupt pain. Andreas kissed him again, and suddenly the pain became pleasure as Andreas thrust into him again and again. Fire danced behind his eyelids, and Nicolo moaned with loss when Andreas broke their kiss. “Andreas, please…” Nicolo broke off when he felt Andreas’ lips on his neck again. “Hush, sweet boy, hush,” Andreas murmured, and Nicolo sighed. He felt the pleasure deep inside each time Andreas thrust, and now he felt such joy as Andreas sucked and licked his neck. “What?” he tried to ask, not understanding why he felt so wonderful, but he couldn’t remember exactly what he wanted to know and it didn’t matter anyway. “Andreas,” he breathed. Andreas raised his head from Nicolo’s neck and said, “Now you’re mine, Nico, mine.” Andreas leaned down again, and Nicolo felt a sudden sharp pain in his neck, but at the same time Andreas made one last hard thrust and climaxed deep inside him. Nicolo gasped, his eyes flying wide open and his back arching, pleasure assaulting him from everywhere at once. He cried out with joy. Andreas was still kissing his neck and Nicolo wanted to embrace him, but his arms wouldn’t obey him. Abruptly, everything became tinged with grey before sliding into black. §§§ “That’s it,” a voice said, insistent. “It’s all right, everything is fine, Nico. Open your eyes.” Nicolo felt strange, very tired, yet very satisfied. His memory returned, flooding back into him, and his eyes shot open. Andreas leaned over him, still stark naked. Never before had Nicolo had sex remotely like he had just shared with Andreas. Divinity, he had passed out! No wonder he felt so weak, so chilled.

on RefLection 23 “Andreas?” Nicolo queried, surprised at how weak his voice sounded. “I feel… I feel strange.” He smiled a little; he’d definitely never had sex like that before. “It will pass, I have to finish.” Andreas sounded different; he sounded… harsh. “Finish? Finish what? Is something wrong?” Nicolo asked, very confused. Andreas smiled. “Depends on your definition.” Nicolo frowned. “I don’t understand.” “No, but you soon will.” Andreas lay beside him again, placing one hand on Nicolo’s chest, over his heart. Nicolo felt the sharp prick of pain in his neck again, and this time it wasn’t dispelled by the feeling of Andreas moving deep inside him. The only other connection he felt was the weight of Andreas’ hand on his chest, and suddenly the euphoria he had felt before melted away and he was afraid. He tried to struggle but he had no strength. He couldn’t push Andreas away. He wasn’t sure of what he was afraid, but his fear was real. Andreas’ hands gripped his arms, pulling him closer as his lips moved against Nicolo’s neck, sucking deeper. What was Andreas doing to him? Dear Lords, he prayed, what was happening? Then, as his awareness began to slip, Nicolo was afraid he was dying. Even as he drifted on what felt like the cusp of death, Nicolo felt Andreas release his neck, but then everything was edged with grey again and he could hold on no longer.

chAPteR fouR Heat dripped onto his lips, drop by drop. His head was lifted, and he felt another drip and then a pressure on his lips. “Swallow, Nico. Just open your lips; let it slip inside. There, feel it? It’s life. Taste it, it’s good, it’s me. Nico, taste me. That’s it, suck, and draw it deep inside. More, Nico, more.” It was so warm, it had an odd taste but he was so thirsty, he would drink. He knew that voice, he knew he did. But who? More, he was told to take more. “Take it, it’s life,” the voice said. Drink, drink the warmth; it was warming him all through. Giving him strength, he could feel it. “That’s it, Nico.” Nico? His name was Nico. Why couldn’t he remember? “Can you open your eyes?” There was command in that voice, perhaps a touch of desperation. Whoever it was, they seemed to care about him. He didn’t want to hurt whoever it was if they worried for him. So, slowly, he tried to open his eyes. They felt heavy, so heavy, but he persevered. He was surprised to find it was dark, it was night. He hadn’t expected that. Neither did he expect the sight that greeted his eyes. A wrist was pressed closely against his mouth, and he was sucking on the flesh desperately, drinking the blood through a gash in the arm. Horrified, he broke away, pushing back against the hand that held him. “Nico!” the voice sharply declared and he stared up into the face of a very handsome man. He was startled to see the man was naked, and then he understood why he felt cold; he was naked, too. He looked up at the man, frowning. The stranger spoke again. “It’s Andreas, Nico, remember? I know this must seem strange, but it’s fine. Everything is all right now, you’ll see. It just takes a while sometimes for everything to slip into place,” the man said. Andreas said.

26 Stevie Woods “Andreas?” “Yes, that’s right. And you are Nico. Let’s get you inside; you’ll feel better when you are more comfortable.” Nico? He frowned a little over the name, his name. It didn’t seem right, but the man, Andreas, sounded so positive. “Why are we outside in the first place? Why are we naked?” he asked. Andreas smiled, “I will explain it all once we are inside.” §§§ Inside proved to be another surprise; the palace was sumptuous. Andreas pulled a bell as soon as they were inside and almost immediately a man appeared. He bowed to Andreas, eyes flicking quickly toward Nico. “What do you require, my lord?”

“Bring me two robes and some brandy, Manolo.”

The servant bowed and hurried away.

“This is yours?” Nico asked, glancing around as they passed

through the hall to a pair of doors on the right. It proved to be a salon with a fire blazing in the grate. “It belongs to my cousins, the Bolonska family,” Andreas answered, settling Nico on a sofa facing the fireplace. “Bolonska?”

“You remember the name? They are famous in Volenzkya.”

“No. But, Volenzkya? I know that word,” Nico said, excited.

Something he finally recognized. “You should. It’s your name, Nico d’Volenzkya.” “I am not famous,” Nico said with conviction. He didn’t know why he knew that, but he was certain he was nothing special. “Please tell me what has happened. Who I am? I can’t remember anything. Please, I don’t like this feeling of… I’m lost, Andreas. Please help me understand?” “Your memory will return, gradually. Suffice it to say that I

on RefLection 27 wanted you. I wanted you so badly, from the first moment I saw you.” Andreas smiled, but the expression was predatory. “And I have never turned my back on my desires.” Manolo appeared then, carrying two robes over one arm, and a small tray containing two glasses of brandy in the other hand. Andreas took the robes from him, and Manolo put the tray on a small table before silently leaving. The few moments he had been given to think over what Andreas had said hadn’t helped Nico understand; if anything, he felt more confused than ever. But something began to stir, a feeling of unease concerning Andreas. At first he had felt comfortable, even safe in his presence, but that was slowly fading, changing to this… uncertainty. Andreas had put one of the robes on, and drew Nico to his feet and started to dress him in the other. Nico pushed him away and tied the garment around his body, turning to face Andreas. “Andreas, stop talking in riddles, tell me the unvarnished truth. What happened to me, and what did you have to do with it?” Andreas sighed. “You are beginning to remember, and always the doubt comes first. Very well, I’ll try and explain. You have heard of the nightwalkers?” Nico opened his mouth as if to laugh but, in that instant, he realized that Andreas wasn’t smiling. Not at all. Nico stared deeply into Andreas’ eyes, and, for perhaps the first time, Nico saw how cold his eyes could be. Nico shivered in response. “You… you mean? You’re trying to tell me they’re real?” “I’m as real as you are,” Andreas said brusquely, ignoring Nico’s sharply indrawn breath at that casual admission of what kind of... creature he really was. “I have all the needs that you do, though I feel them even more deeply than you ever could.” He looked at Nico thoughtfully. “I thought perhaps just a taste of you would be enough, but we were exquisite together. When I bit into your neck, you tasted so delightful. I wanted more, I wanted it all.” He stared straight into Nico’s eyes. “So I took it all.”

28 Stevie Woods “By the Divine, what have you done to me?” Nico demanded, outraged. He thought he was going to be sick. Somehow he was aware that he had liked and admired this man and he… Divinity, what had he done? “I made it right. I gave you life eternal.” Nico heard the words, but for a moment he couldn’t take them in. Life eternal? The legends were true? Surely Andreas couldn’t mean what he thought? Oh Lords, did he mean? A—a nightwalker? Suddenly, anger flooded him. “Life eternal? You took my life! You never even gave me a choice, just took what you wanted. Lords, what am I now?” Nico could hardly believe it. He had heard the stories, rumors, for years, most of his life in fact. They were called by different names in other states, the other most common name being vampire. As if the knowledge of that remembrance was like a door opening, everything came flooding back, and Nicolo knew who he was. “My name is Nicolo! You—only you ever called me Nico.” “It’s who you are now. You are mine, you are my Nico.” Andreas put his hands on Nicolo’s shoulders, gripping tightly as if to add weight to his words. “I will keep you safe, show you everything you need to know to live by my side. I know you’ll make a good companion for me. I have been alone too long.” Nicolo broke free, backing away. His stomach churned and his heart beat so very fast. That thought brought him up sharply. He placed a hand on his chest. “How can I still feel my heart beating?” he asked, distressed. Andreas sighed. “You don’t, not really. Your heart no longer beats. What you are feeling is the sense memory of what you think you ought to be feeling.” Nicolo laughed harshly, the sound ending more like a cry. “Oh, Divinity, am I still even capable of feeling? What have you done to me? You have taken everything that made me human. Why did you not just kill me, leave me dead?” Sobbing, he dropped his face into his hands.

on RefLection 29 “Because I wanted you,” Andreas said bluntly. “And now you will be forever beautiful.” Nicolo lifted his head; his eyes were puffy but dry. “Beautiful?” His eyes widened. “This is all about you. You wanted, you desired.” Nicolo’s voice dripped scorn. “You have no real feeling for me whatever; you are incapable of it. The only emotion you have left is avarice!” Nicolo watched the anger flashing in Andreas’ eyes. When he spoke, Andreas’ words were clipped. “Tell me you weren’t drawn to me as I was to you? You came with me very willingly.” He stepped closer. “Tell me you did not enjoy the touch of my hands.” Andreas reached out and drew a finger slowly down his face, and Nicolo couldn’t help leaning into the tender touch. Andreas closed the last step between them, speaking softly, his breath teasing Nicolo’s lips. “Tell me you don’t want to be with me, my sweet Nico?” Andreas’ lips brushed Nicolo’s, and he moaned. Part of Nicolo wanted to pull away, wanted to rail at this man who had, at a selfish stroke, changed his existence forever, but at the same time he couldn’t control the desire he felt for Andreas’ touch. He wanted Andreas so badly. He almost hated himself. For the first time in his life, he wished he did not desire the touch of men. “Please, Nico, stay with me?” Andreas coaxed, fingers caressing. Nicolo pushed Andreas back from him to stare at the man’s face, to try and see the truth there. He couldn’t deny that he had never felt the instant attraction to anyone else that he did to Andreas—Divinity, he still felt it. He wanted the man to kiss him, he’d never felt as alive as he had when he had been making love with Andreas. Making love? He’d never called it that with anyone before, it had always simply been sex, scratching an itch. Yet, he had unconsciously thought of it as making love with Andreas. Why? He hardly knew that man, and at the moment the only emotion he felt was anger. He was confused, about so many things.

30 Stevie Woods Nicolo closed his eyes, feeling oddly near to tears, yet it seemed that crying was very difficult for nightwalkers. Looking at Andreas again, he nodded, but it was clear it was with reluctance. “You have left me no choice but to stay with you. The life I had is gone, I know that. I am still Nicolo d’Volenzkya, yet I can never be that man again. That simple seaman died this night. Because of your betrayal I am now a nightwalker, a vampire. I have to learn what that means. If I knew another way to find out, I would leave here now.” “I don’t believe you, Nico. You responded to me, you wanted me as much as I wanted you.” Andreas’ tone was petulant. “I suppose I cannot deny the truth of that. I admit I was drawn to you, Andreas, from the moment I saw you; I wish I could say that wasn’t so. However, I did not betray you. All I feel for you now is contempt.” Nicolo said the words, but he didn’t know how true they were. “And don’t call me Nico!” Andreas laughed. “Oh, why do you make so much of that, my sweet Nico, that’s who you are now. As you so rightly said, Nicolo is no more; he died this night.” Rage flowed through Nicolo at the open admission of his murder. He struck out at Andreas, but his fist never made contact. Nicolo struggled to keep his balance. Andreas simply wasn’t where he had been when Nicolo had made his move. A tap on his shoulder from behind showed him where Andreas was now. “You’ll learn that nightwalkers can move much faster than humans. Your body hasn’t come to accept that yet, but in time it will. But if you really feel the need to hit me, I won’t move this time.” Nicolo stared at Andreas. The rage had faded a little, but he didn’t want to lose it, not yet; it was as if he needed it. So he gathered it to him and struck at Andreas with as much strength as he could. Andreas went down. His own momentum took Nicolo down after him, and he sprawled half across Andreas. Their robes had fallen open during their tussle and Nicolo felt the hardness

on RefLection 31 of Andreas’ body beneath the smooth satin of his skin. “Damn you, Andreas, damn you,” he growled. Without thought, he gave in to the burning need crashing through him and captured the tempting mouth so close to his own. Andreas grabbed him and, without breaking the kiss, rolled them over so Nicolo was beneath him. Nicolo squirmed as Andreas thrust against him, needing to feel the sensation, almost as if he was reaffirming he was alive. Gasping out Andreas’ name as he lifted his hips in counterpoint, Nicolo wrapped his legs around Andreas’ waist, drawing him down. Andreas put his hands flat on the floor on either side of Nicolo’s head, using the extra leverage to thrust more firmly against him, and Nicolo tossed his head from side to side, moaning his pleasure. “That’s it, Nico, come on, spend for me.” As if he’d been waiting for permission, Nicolo shot all over his lover. Andreas roared his success, and his seed joined Nicolo’s, coating both their chests. §§§ Nicolo must have slept again, for he awoke on the sofa in the salon, his robe half-draped over him. He sat up, expecting to feel at least a little dizzy again, but this time he felt all right. In fact, he felt really good. “You’re feeling better now?” Andreas asked, but his tone indicated he already knew the answer. Nicolo looked over his shoulder to find Andreas seated in a window seat, the drapes open behind him. Nicolo noted a faint lightening of the sky. Dawn was approaching. “Yes, I am. Shouldn’t you close the drapes now? It looks as if dawn will break soon.” Andreas smiled. “You’re referring to the dangers of sunlight? Don’t believe all the legends, Nico. Some are accurate; others are at best exaggerated, at worst completely wrong.” Nicolo got to his feet and moved to the window. “And sunlight? Does it burn? Kill nightwalkers?”

32 Stevie Woods “If you were caught in direct sunlight it would certainly burn, and kill if you were trapped for even the shortest time. But if it is cloudy or there is a weak sun, we can move in the daylight for very short periods of time. But, in doing so we lose the powers the night bestows so it is best only done if absolutely necessary.” “Powers? And how many of those legends are true? Can I change into an animal, or can I fly? Do I have improved strength? Eyesight, hearing? Do I have a reflection? And what about the tale that describes nightwalkers changing into mist and disappearing at will?” Nicolo was part fascinated and part disdainful. Andreas looked angry. “Do not mock me!” “I’m not!” Nicolo denied vehemently. Shrugging, he added, “I need to know these things. So, I’m dubious. Can you blame me?” Andreas gazed at Nicolo for a moment and then explained. “No, you cannot change into an animal, or anything else for that matter. And where that flying idea came from, the Divinity only knows. However, you do have the ability to fool the senses of humans, so, in a way, you can disappear at will and even appear to take on other forms. It is a temporary condition, though, and best kept for times you really need it. And no, you no longer have a reflection, but you can fool a human into believing that they see one. As for what you term improved strength, that’s true. You are much stronger, swifter, and your eyesight and hearing are considerably better than they were.” Nicolo stared at Andreas. He had half-expected Andreas to scoff at all those myths. Being unable to die and having eternal life seemed peculiar enough, but all this? “I don’t feel any different,” Nicolo said quietly. Andreas laughed again. “You will. Your body is still adjusting. Are you feeling hungry yet? You should need to feed soon, and each time you feed during these first few days will add to your strength and vigor.” Nicolo’s eyes widened. “You don’t expect me to kill, to drink someone’s blood until they die. I can’t, Andreas. I just can’t!”

on RefLection 33 Andreas took a deep breath and visibly controlled his frustration. “This is proving much harder than my other turnings,” he said, exasperated. “It is not necessary to kill to take enough for a feeding, unless you want to, of course. Your body will store any blood you don’t need immediately, delay the desire to feed again. However, it’s really only necessary to take enough to satisfy your hunger. The way a human eats a meal and feels full.” “But, if I just took a small amount and then released the man I fed from, he would raise the alarm.” “Why? Any human you feed from will only feel sated, happy. More so, if you have sex with them while you feed. You will heal the punctures you make, I will show you how, and your victim need never know.” “Punctures? I never saw any… fangs in your mouth.” Though of course, he acknowledged belatedly, he had felt the pain when they’d pricked his skin. Andreas opened his mouth wide. As Nicolo watched, the normal canine teeth at each side of his mouth slowly extended until they were particularly long and sharp. “I have those?” Nicolo asked, horrified. “They will not be as long as mine, not yet. But they will be eventually.” “And how do I make them descend like that?” “It is a natural reaction for you.” Andreas frowned at Nicolo’s puzzled look. “When you need to feed, you will understand.”

chAPteR five He was right, of course. Over time Nicolo did learn everything he needed to know to survive as a nightwalker. Whether he wanted to know, whether he hated it or not, this was who, or rather what, he was now. Nicolo discovered how different he was when his hunger developed. It was almost twenty-four hours after he had been turned that Nicolo began to feel weak. He knew what was happening, but the idea of taking blood, of feeding from someone, was anathema to him. He struggled against it, he argued with Andreas, but though philosophically he fought the notion, physically his body craved what it needed. “Nico, you can’t do this. You have to eat. You can’t starve yourself. Believe me; it is not possible to fight your nature.” “The idea disgusts me.”

“You fed from me, Nico,” Andreas said softly.

Nicolo looked up at him, feeling a mixture of rage and guilt.

“You did this to me,” he hissed. “I did, and though you are angry at me, I don’t regret it. I want you with me, Nico, and given a little time you will want me, too.” Nicolo wanted to refute the statement, but in reality he knew that Andreas was right. His attraction to the nightwalker hadn’t faded when he learned the truth; if anything, he was more drawn to Andreas since he, too, became a nightwalker. “Let me call Manolo?” Andreas suggested. “Manolo?” Nicolo frowned. “Yes, he will willingly let you feed from him. He has serviced me many times when I was in need.” “You mean… with him?” Andreas smiled thinly but shook his head. “No, Nico, I have

36 Stevie Woods not had sex with Manolo. It is not necessary to have sex when you feed, it just makes the experience more fulfilling—for both parties. You can take what you need and still make your victim feel good if that is your wish. I always reward Manolo for his sacrifice.” “How?”

Andreas smiled again, but this time it lit up his whole face.

“Do you remember how I made you feel that first night, just before I left you at the inn?” “Divinity, yes. It took all my strength not to pull you back,” Nicolo admitted. Then his eyes widened as he understood. “How?” he whispered. Without another word, Andreas strode across the room and pulled the bell cord. In a very short time, Manolo appeared. “What do you require, my lord?” Manolo inquired. “Nico is hurting.” Andreas said the words calmly and immediately Manolo turned to Nicolo. “If I can help in any way at all, sir, I would be honored,” Manolo said. “Why?” Nico asked, frowning. For the first time since Nicolo had known the man, Manolo frowned. “Why?” he echoed, glancing swiftly at Andreas. “Why would I not? I owe my life and loyalty to my lord Andreas. You are important to him, and therefore you are important to me. It is little enough you need, and I am pleased to offer it to you.” Nicolo didn’t know what to say. His last defense crumbled before the man’s humility and compassion. He allowed Andreas to guide him, and found that Andreas was correct in his assertion that Nicolo would automatically know what to do when it finally came to taking his first sip of blood from a human. Nicolo’s canines lengthened as his desire to feed swelled. His first look at the vein throbbing, warm and inviting under Manolo’s smooth skin, drew Nicolo. Without thought, without regret or concern, he slid his sharp fangs into the neck

on RefLection 37 of his willing victim, his hands gripping the man’s shoulders, holding Manolo firmly just where he wanted him. Sucking the blood deeply, the warm, coppery taste filled his mouth, sending his senses swimming. He heard moaning and it took a moment to realize the sound came from Manolo. The distraction lasted but a second, and Nicolo returned to his feeding with gusto. “Nico,” Andreas said firmly, “gently. That is enough for now. Close the wound.” Nicolo glanced at Andreas, frowning. He didn’t want to stop, it was… Nicolo abruptly pulled away, shocked at his own thoughts. “The wound,” Andreas repeated. Swiftly, Nicolo carefully licked the small wound in the servant’s throat and Manolo sighed, his head dropping onto Nicolo’s shoulder. “Here,” Andreas said, taking Manolo’s shoulders and helping Nicolo maneuver him to the sofa, “he’ll need to rest for a while.” After they had laid him down and pulled a rug over him, Nicolo stood watching the man sleep for a few minutes before he turned to Andreas. “I didn’t want to stop.” Distress flowed through him as he stared at Andreas. “I… I enjoyed it! I wanted to keep feeding from him.” “I know. And you feel better now? Strong, virile? What else do you want?” asked Andreas, a knowing look on his face. He stepped closer to add, “What do you need, sweet Nico?” Nicolo could hear the pounding of the blood in his veins. He didn’t understand how that was possible any longer, but neither did he care. All he knew at that moment was that he needed. He could no longer feed, but he had to have. With a snarl, he leapt forward, his hands taking a firm hold of Andreas as he took the man down. They sprawled on the thick carpet, rolling over and over, fighting for domination, tearing the loose clothing from each other’s bodies. Andreas suddenly let out a bark of laughter. He was lying

38 Stevie Woods underneath Nicolo and he stopped struggling. He took Nicolo’s face in his hands, holding him at bay while he spoke. “That’s it, my Nico, take what you want. Who you want!” “Yes!” Nicolo grabbed Andreas’ hands, pulling them from his face, forcing them over Andreas’ head and holding them there with one hand. Dropping his face forward, he sank his fangs deep into Andreas’ neck, reveling in the cry wrung from the nightwalker’s mouth. Nicolo’s free hand roamed over Andreas’ body, delighting him as the man squirmed beneath him. Using his knees, Nicolo spread Andreas’ legs wide. Andreas was panting now, trying to lift his hips so he could rub against Nicolo’s hard cock. Nicolo leaned his weight against Andreas, pushing him down again to quickly shove two fingers inside Andreas’ ass. Andreas gasped and squirmed. “More,” he cried. Nicolo released his hold on Andreas’ neck and reared up, abruptly flipping Andreas onto his stomach, pulling him to his knees. Andreas was panting, his body sheened in perspiration. He looked over his shoulder, his eyes bright as he watched Nicolo line up and power into his body in one smooth motion. Andreas grunted, a mixture of pain and pleasure, and dropped his head onto his folded arms, gasping at each thrust as Nicolo drove into him again and again. Nicolo felt on top of the world as he slammed into Andreas, owning the beautiful body, doing with Andreas what he wanted. And just then he wanted Andreas to know who was in control, who had the power. Hearing Andreas’ grunts of pleasure and pleas for more was like music to his ears. Nicolo’s hands tightly gripped Andreas’ hips, his nails drawing blood, marking him. He knew the marks would be gone momentarily, but for now they were all too evident. He wanted more. Gripping Andreas’ shoulders tightly while he leaned over him, Nicolo thrust as hard as he could into Andreas’ ass. With a final growl, Nicolo shot his load deep inside, even as he sunk his

on RefLection 39 teeth into Andreas’ neck and sucked the blood from his veins; it was almost as if he was completing a circle. “Nico!” Andreas screamed, his back arching as he, too, reached climax, his come coating the carpet beneath them. They collapsed in a heap, Nicolo still buried deep inside Andreas, both men gasping from their heightened experience. “You understand now, don’t you?” Andreas whispered. Nicolo slowly pulled free from Andreas’ body and rolled to sit up. He closed his eyes, almost ashamed to admit that he did. “Yes,” he replied softly. “It pulls at you, you can’t…” He swallowed, opened his eyes to look at Andreas. “The blood calls to you and you have to answer. I’d have drained Manolo if you hadn’t made me realize what I was doing, but that didn’t stop the desire, the desperate need. If you hadn’t been here…” “You’d have taken someone else,” Andreas said bluntly. “You’d have fucked him and drained him and felt wonderful for it.” Nicolo paled but didn’t dispute the declaration. After a moment’s thought, he added, “You said I wouldn’t have to kill.” “And you won’t, unless you want to, once you have learned control. You have to let me help you, show you how.” Nicolo nodded, knowing he had no choice. He still didn’t really understand what he was now, but he desperately wanted that self-control. He couldn’t face the idea of simply taking someone’s life at whim. He had to trust in Andreas’ teaching. They went out hunting together every other night, Nicolo just taking enough to satisfy his need, and then giving payment by providing his victim with a most satisfying orgasm. Eventually, Nicolo accepted his new way of surviving. §§§ Andreas kept him close for the next few weeks, not wanting to let Nico out of his sight. Andreas said it was to protect him, but Nicolo came to believe it was a way of making him dependent on his protector. It wasn’t as if Nicolo wasn’t dependent on his sire

40 Stevie Woods anyhow, but this way Andreas made it even more certain. Nicolo didn’t realize that at the time, though; it was a fact he came to understand later. Andreas had said he was lonely and he needed a companion. That was true, but it wasn’t the only truth. He could have anyone he wanted simply by using his powers, but unless he turned his victims, he couldn’t have any kind of relationship with them. It could only be for one night, and his prey wouldn’t even be able to remember meeting him. Andreas wanted more; he wanted Nico. Which was something else Nicolo learned in those first few weeks; that his initial ‘attraction’ for Andreas hadn’t all come from him. Nicolo did find Andreas physically attractive, there was no denying that, but Andreas had also used his powers to draw him closer, to entrap him in a web of need that, at the time, Nicolo hadn’t even known existed. Now, though, it was just one more weapon in Nicolo’s own arsenal. Nicolo felt he should hate Andreas for lying to him. But now it was far too late for such things, and besides, Nicolo did believe that Andreas truly desired him, wanted ‘his Nico’ with him permanently. Nicolo wasn’t sure he wanted that, wanted to be Andreas’… companion. Nicolo had never had a lover, or any kind of relationship. The mutual relief he had given and received before had never really meant anything beyond getting the immediate release he needed. And he certainly didn’t have any kind of close feelings for Andreas. He did find Andreas damned attractive without him using any artifice, and it was true that Nicolo found him very interesting. Andreas had seen and experienced so much, and Nicolo knew that Andreas could teach him more than he could possibly learn any other way. But was that enough of a reason for Nicolo to tie himself to Andreas? In the end, Nicolo took the simplest route; he decided to stay with Andreas as long as he felt it necessary. He would learn all he could, so that when the time came that he wanted to make a move, he would be ready. Nicolo had no plans beyond that, no reason to do anything other than wait and see. He thought that

on RefLection 41 perhaps, in time, Andreas would come to recognize the way he felt, but Andreas did not say anything, nor did he change the way he behaved with Nicolo. And yes, all in good time, Nicolo did accept the diminution of his name. It became less trouble to accede than to continually remonstrate with Andreas, who kept insisting that was who he was now, his sweet Nico. Besides which, he came to understand that Nicolo had indeed died the night he was turned, and it seemed fitting that he was reborn as Nico.

chAPteR six It took Nico longer than he ever would have thought to finally leave Andreas. It wasn’t that Andreas ever needed to try to stop him, simply that Nico had settled into his comfortable life alongside the much more worldly-wise nightwalker. Andreas had seen and done so much that Nico loved to listen to his tales, and he learned more than he dreamed possible in Andreas’ company, including how to behave like a gentleman. It was necessary in the circles in which Andreas moved. He was of the nobility and saw no reason that being a nightwalker had to change anything, and he groomed Nico to fit into his world. About a dozen years after Nico was changed, they left Volenzkya. Andreas had explained that he could never stay in one place for too long, always needing to move on before anyone began to ask awkward questions. He had stayed in Volenzkya longer than usual this time, he admitted. Nico’s worldly education continued. He became proficient in music, literature, and the sciences. He had a particular affinity for politics, which he likened to a war without weapons. Andreas had laughed and reminded him that sometimes there was nothing sharper than a barbed word. Manolo accompanied them on their travels, of course, bringing with him a young cousin, Duomo. He was grooming the young man to one day take his place. So it had always been in the Benetti family. They had served the Corsinis for generations and were very loyal to Andreas; it mattered not that he was a nightwalker. Nico and Andreas flitted from place to place. Nico stayed in locales he had heard tell of since he was a child, but had not visited even as a sailor, though he had traveled along the shores of many of the mysterious lands. Some of them he found disappointing, the legends far outweighing the reality. Others he found delightful, and happily settled in this city or that for a time.

44 Stevie Woods But always they had to move on after a few years. Gradually, Nico became privy to a kind of darkness that rose within Andreas from time to time. Mostly Andreas managed to control it, but every now and then Nico saw a side of Andreas that scared him. Andreas assured Nico that he, of all people, needn’t be afraid of Andreas, ever. He would never let anyone hurt Nico, himself included. Nico believed that Andreas meant what he said, but, though he didn’t admit it, Nico couldn’t help the underlying doubt. The first time Nico witnessed what Andreas referred to as his dark times, he was horrified. It had seemed just like any other night when they went out hunting. Nico still refused to take a life in order to feed. Andreas agreed it wasn’t necessary, though Andreas did admit the few last drops of blood drained from a human were the sweetest thing he’d ever tasted, and the most fulfilling. Nico didn’t comment, just followed Andreas when he led the way to the docks, where pickings were always easy. As usual, they split up, looking for prey. Nico moved off to the right, aware that Andreas melted away into the night. Even Nico sometimes had difficulty finding Andreas when he was in hunting mode. After watching for a while, Nico spied the man he wanted. Nico never bothered to analyze why he chose one man as opposed to another, he simply followed his desire. When Nico’s prey split from his friends to stumble his way home, Nico followed until he could intercept the man in a quiet alley. “Huh? What do you want?” the tipsy man queried, peering into the darkness. “It’s not what I want,” Nico said, his voice projecting that subtle, yet very persuasive power of the nightwalker. “It’s what I need.” Nico moved closer to the man, who by now stood enraptured before him. “And I will give you such pleasure in return,” Nico whispered close to his ear. Nico gathered the man close and took his mouth in a fervent kiss. The man panted, his hands straining at Nico’s clothing.

on RefLection 45 Roughly, Nico pushed him back against the wall behind them, his tongue still inside the stranger’s mouth. Nico shoved their trews down just enough to free their cocks, both hard and leaking, and, lining them up, he thrust enthusiastically so they rubbed and slid alongside each other. His ardor rose, not just because of the coupling, but due to the euphoria he always experienced when feeding. Nico pulled the man’s head down again, kissing him briefly before releasing his mouth to attack his neck instead. Pushing aside his collar for better access, Nico smelled the blood racing through the man’s veins, so very close now that he could almost feel the tangy heat on his tongue. He could taste his victim’s mounting arousal on the sweat-salted skin. Almost desperately, Nico licked from jaw to pulse point, his own overpowering climax mixing with that of his victim. Nico sank his needle-sharp fangs into the man’s veins, drawing out his hot life’s blood. The man gasped with the combined pleasure of his climax and the bliss of the nightwalker’s own joy invading his senses through the feeding. Fighting his desire to keep drinking the warm blood, Nico withdrew his fangs and swiftly licked the man’s neck, closing the wounds. Gasping, the man collapsed against Nico. The nightwalker held him and whispered into his ear, reminding him how good he felt after his wonderful orgasm, how content, finally telling the man to go home and sleep until the morning. A dreamy look on his face, the man turned and walked steadily away from Nico. Nico watched the man go, his own emotions more convoluted. He felt sated in every way, yet he also felt that twinge of guilt for the need that made him blind his victim’s senses so he could feed in safety. His only expiation was that his prey was left with pleasant memories and a fast-fading bruise on his neck. It was then that Nico heard the sharp cry. The sound was very clear to Nico’s altered nightwalker abilities, but he knew it was beyond human hearing. Even though he was unsure precisely what he had heard, he moved toward the sound. It was then he heard the deep-throated growl, a sound

46 Stevie Woods he definitely recognized; he had heard it before, up close and personal. He ran and, rounding a corner, he spied Andreas, a man struggling in his arms as Andreas greedily fed. Nico hurried forward, but he had to grab onto the wall to stop himself falling when he stumbled over something. Glancing down at what had almost tripped him, Nico was shocked to see the body of a man—a very dead man, mouth wide open, eyes staring, blood streaking his neck from the two wounds. The man’s clothes were in tatters; deep bloody gouges were visible all over his torso and legs, and there were distinctive marks on his cock. There was no mistaking that the damage had been caused by fangs. This man hadn’t simply been drained, he had been ripped apart. Hardly believing that Andreas could do such a thing, Nico turned his attention back to his friend. Horrified at the way Andreas was tearing another man’s neck, Nico moved in, hoping to save the victim, but he was too late. The man was a sagging corpse, Andreas’ mouth still clinging to his neck. Crying out in disgust, Nico tried to pull the body from Andreas, but he fought back, snarling at Nico, sounding more like an animal than a man, refusing to let go of his meal. He didn’t seem to recognize Nico at all. Even with his own anger giving him strength, it took all of Nico’s might to pull the corpse away from Andreas. In retaliation, Andreas leapt at Nico, his hands wrapping around Nico’s throat. Nico froze, his eyes bulging, as much in shock and fear as from the attempted strangulation. With wide eyes and a choked cry, Andreas abruptly released Nico and stumbled back. “Damn you,” he cried, “Why did you have to…?” With a last anguished look at Nico, Andreas turned and ran. “Andreas!” Nico called, but he knew he was wasting his time. And at that moment he had no idea what he could say to Andreas, anyway. Nico had never seen Andreas behave that way before. Unfortunately, Nico had no way to know whether Andreas had done so when they hunted separately. A sad and confused Nico

on RefLection 47 made his way back to the house where they were staying. §§§ It was the following night before Andreas finally returned, and he seemed unable to meet Nico’s eyes. “Talk to me,” Nico said quietly. “What is there to say?” Andreas asked, finally raising his face to meet Nico’s eyes. Andreas had the grace to look ashamed, and dropped his eyes again. “Something. Andreas, you looked as if you could kill me!” “No, Lords, no! I could never hurt you. I know it looked bad…” “Looked bad? You didn’t even recognize me at first, Andreas. Admit it!” Andreas turned his back, staring out of the window at the night sky. “It doesn’t come over me very often,” he began, the words coming slowly at first. “Even before I was turned, I had something of a violent temper. The change only seemed to exacerbate that trait in my nature. Sometimes the need is so deep in me to drink my fill, to sate the empty void in my being. I feel powerless to deny it.” Andreas sighed and his shoulders slumped a little. Nico took a step toward him, but then Andreas was speaking again. “When I became a nightwalker, I didn’t have a mentor to guide me. He took me, turned me, and abandoned me. To look for more victims, I think. I didn’t even understand what had happened to me, what I was. I’ve never forgotten the absolute empty feeling gnawing at me; the only certainty I knew was this terrible hunger. I was like an animal at first, Nico, seeing my prey as nothing more than food. I don’t think I even understood at first that it was human.” Andreas laughed harshly then, shaking his head as if he still couldn’t believe it. “It wasn’t until I saw another nightwalker enchanting his prey that I understood what it could be like. He didn’t kill to feed, he took his pleasure when he fed and then sent the man on his way.

48 Stevie Woods I could hardly believe what I witnessed. Still, it took me some time to control my… appetites. I’ve never been certain, but I believe it’s that animalistic instinct reasserting itself every now and then that results, that makes me…” Andreas turned to face Nico again. “But I swear I would rather die than hurt you. You know how I feel about you.” “But you didn’t trust me enough to tell me this?” “I was ashamed. I am ashamed of what I do when that time overtakes me.” Nico stared at him, wanting to offer something positive, but not knowing what he could possibly do. Andreas kept looking over at him, as if he wanted to say something, but he didn’t speak. Nico paced, and Andreas just watched. After a while Nico sat down, drawing Andreas to sit with him. They talked for a long time, Andreas finally admitting that he could usually tell when the madness was going to overtake him. Nico made him promise that whenever he felt the signs, he was to tell Nico, so he could at least be prepared. Nico didn’t admit to Andreas that he was afraid, praying that he would never react like that. He couldn’t bear the thought that he might kill, might destroy someone so utterly. Eventually, Nico lost his fear of Andreas’ dark times, because, in those rare times when he couldn’t control it, Andreas would disappear for a few days, not returning until he was back to his usual self. But the longer they were together, the clearer it became that if Andreas felt the mood rising in him, Nico was the one person who could keep it at bay. Andreas would sleep in Nico’s arms, sometimes for a whole day and night. He would be wracked by nightmares, calling out to people Nico had never heard of, curling into Nico for the only comfort he could find. Eventually, he would calm and slip into true sleep, to wake refreshed. Nico would be exhausted by then and Andreas would watch him as he slept. §§§ The time slipped by easily, virtually unnoticed except by

on RefLection 49 unavoidable changes that time wrought with normal mortals. The most notable was the death of their loyal servant, Manolo. During their travels, it had been Manolo’s duty to not only serve them, but to protect them during the day. The well trained Duomo stepped seamlessly into the breach. Andreas really mourned Manolo’s passing; for many years; until he had found Nico, Manolo had been the nearest thing to a friend to Andreas. Finally, the day came when Andreas agreed that enough time had passed that they could return home, for Volenzkya would always be that for both men.

chAPteR seven It was dusk when their carriage left the docks, heading for the Bolonska palace, which Andreas had told Nico would have been cared for by members of the Benetti family in his long absence. There was much noise and music, and it was clear the city was celebrating, so Nico pushed back the heavy leather curtain over the window to see what the excitement was all about. He called out to a passing merchant and was surprised to discover that the next day the Duke was to officially open the imposing new Temple. He flopped back against the coach cushions, staring at Andreas with wide eyes. “What’s wrong?” Andreas asked, clearly puzzled by Nico’s reaction. “Wrong?” Nico looked surprised. “Nothing, really; it was just a shock to realize how much time has passed. I saw the Duke’s father lay the Temple’s first stone, and now look at it.” Nico gaze took in the whole remarkable building, painstakingly handcrafted by the best artisans, using the rarest of stones, polished to perfection so it almost shone, as if made from the finest gems. “Now it is seventy years later, finished and looking magnificent, and you look hardly a day older.” Andreas smiled. He raised a hand to caress Nico’s face. “And just as desirable.” Nico sighed. “I’m surprised you’ve never tired of me.” “As you have tired of me,” Andreas said softly, dropping his hand. “I never pretended to love you the way you do me, Andreas, but I care about you…” “Yes, yes,” Andreas interrupted, “I know. And you never promised me anything more, either. I know one day you will leave me.” “Maybe, but if that day ever comes, it won’t mean we can’t still be friends, will it?” Nico sighed. He had long stopped blaming

52 Stevie Woods Andreas for turning him; Nico really did care for him more than anyone he had ever met. He had a sudden memory of his friend, Philippe, and wondered what the old captain had thought when Nicolo had simply disappeared that day eighty long years since, but he pushed the thought away. He sank back into the soft cushions of the carriage. “I don’t think I’ll ever have cause to leave you Andreas. In all these years I have never met anyone I wanted for more than a night of pleasure and a good feed, anyone I felt I could ever care for enough to want to turn the way you did with me.” Andreas laughed harshly. “It has only been eighty years, Nico. It took me almost three hundred years to find you.” Nico looked at Andreas, saw the sadness lingering in his eyes, and if he didn’t already believe how much Andreas loved him, he would have known it then. He wondered if loving someone that much was worth the pain it cost if the love was not returned. Perhaps he was better off never finding out. Visibly shaking off his mood, Andreas sat up briskly. “I have it,” he said with a touch of excitement in his voice. “We will attend the Duke’s ball tomorrow.” “How do you know he’ll be holding a ball tomorrow?” Nico queried, a smile lighting his face. “Of course he will, or maybe the night after. Whenever.” Andreas shrugged. “He’ll hold a ball to celebrate the completion of the Temple. I doubt this Duke is any different from his predecessors. Any excuse for a celebration of his success, you know that. We’ll attend in our best finery and pick out the two most delicious looking men there, maybe even two each, and really have fun!” Nico laughed. “You know how to plan for a good time, Andreas.” “I do, don’t I? This should be a wonderful welcome home gift to ourselves.” Andreas smiled. §§§

on RefLection 53 The following evening, as Andreas had predicted, the Duke threw a large celebration ball, and everyone who was anyone in Volenzkya was invited. Nico and Andreas donned their finest raiment, Nico in dark blue teamed with cream and Andreas in black with dove grey. The two men wore the new style to perfection, their figures showing off the tightly fitting trews worn with matching vests over contrasting shirts. The design was perfect for a tall man with a good leg. Each man swung a long cloak over his shoulders, picked up his cane, and they moved out, marching in step. Nico laughed with delight, determined to enjoy the evening. The ball spilled out into the extensive gardens surrounding the Duke’s palace. There were servants everywhere, milling among the numerous guests, plying them with food and drinks and generally being very accommodating. The scene was lit with thousands of tiny lamps, so the whole place looked as if the stars themselves had fallen to earth to illuminate the party. The lights, however, were in sharp competition with the jewels worn by both the ladies and gentleman as they perambulated through the greenery. It was the perfect setting to celebrate the consecration of a Temple to the Divinity. Music flowed from the huge ballroom, and the dancing had spilled out onto the large stone terrace that swept along one long side of the building. Men were spinning the ladies around, dresses of every hue of the rainbow adding to the colorful spectacle. “Oh, this is wonderful,” Nico sighed. It had been some time since they had attended such a function, and even after all these years, Nico still found such events new and exciting. Andreas merely shrugged; he had seen it all before, too many times, and he was immune to such charms. “Come, let’s watch the dancing,” Nico said, pulling on Andreas’ arm. “No, dear boy, I have no desire to watch young ladies.” Andreas pulled free of Nico’s grip. Nico laughed. “Andreas, you know better than that, it’s the young men I want to admire.”

54 Stevie Woods “Still, I will find you in a little while. I want to listen to the Duke and his confidants, learn a little of what has been happening recently.” Nico felt a little disappointed, but shrugged it off. “Very well, I’ll pick out the best for myself.” With a lilting laugh, he moved off into the crowd. §§§ Nico stood leaning against the balustrade at the top of the steps from the lawn to the terrace. He watched as the couples danced by, but he wasn’t really watching individuals. He was just enjoying the overall picture of people having a good time, being happy. He felt a jolt of envy, which he didn’t really understand. He would be alive when all these folk were mere dust; what did they have that he should envy? Shaking off his confusing thoughts, Nico looked more carefully at the crowd of humanity surrounding him, searching for that someone who would draw his attention, someone he could his share his body with, and take a little payment in blood. He was proud, and more than a little grateful, that in his eighty years as a nightwalker he had never taken a life. He had always given pleasure in return for the feeding. This night, it seemed perhaps he was spoilt for choice. There were so many handsome young men that he hardly knew where to start. It was then he heard a voice nearby, a voice he found most attractive; low and slightly husky, and delightfully amused. Nico turned to view the man to whom the voice belonged, to find he was staring into a pair of bright green eyes. “Ah, sorry, sir,” the stranger said, giving a slight bow in Nico’s direction. “I was so busy talking that I did not see you there.” The man’s eyes were twinkling, and Nico thought perhaps the man was laughing at him. “I chose a poor place to linger,” Nico admitted. He stretched out a hand, “Nico Volenz at your service.” Nico had shortened his surname a few years after he had been turned, a response to too many people querying his background. It seemed a little less

on RefLection 55 obvious. The stranger with the startling green eyes gripped his hand firmly. “Paolo Tuenard. It is a pleasure, sir.” Paolo moved toward Nico, ignoring his friends, not bothering to introduce them. As if at a silent signal, they disappeared into the crowd. “I’ve not seen you around before,” Paolo commented. “No, I’ve been away from the city for some time; I only returned yesterday.” “Just in time for the celebrations.” Paolo smiled, looking a little hesitant for the first time. “Would you care to join me for a drink?” Nico smiled in return, knowing just how attractive he appeared when he smiled that certain way, when he angled his body just so. He had long since perfected his seduction routine, and he moved closer to the young man as he spoke, almost but not quite touching him. He could smell the beginning of arousal and he knew this man would be amenable. His smile, his pose, and his gaze were all he used to hold the man. He had other devices he could turn to, but this young man seemed interested enough that he had no need to use artifice. Nico much preferred the simple approach. Paolo licked his lips absently and replied, his voice huskier than ever, “Certainly.” Walking side by side, so close that their hands brushed now and then, they moved steadily through the crowd, studiously not looking at each other. Nico could feel the heat radiating from Paolo, could smell his sweat, his very maleness, his rising arousal. Oh, yes, Nico must have this one, he was just perfect. Ripe for the taking. §§§ After spending at least two hours in Paolo’s company, Nico was captivated with the young man, and apparently the feeling was mutual. Paolo seemed to have an opinion on just about everything, but he was also interested in his companion’s point of view. Rather than seeming like an opinionated bore, it just

56 Stevie Woods showed his intelligence and interest in the world around him. He was eager and stimulating, open to everything life had to offer. So it was no surprise that he was fascinated to learn of Nico’s travels. Paolo gave the impression that he loved to soak up knowledge like the proverbial sponge, and he clearly enjoyed listening to Nico’s experiences in other realms. “You have been to some amazing places, Nico,” Paolo said breathlessly, staring raptly at Nico. “Yet, you don’t look old enough to have had time to visit all those wonderful places.” “I’m somewhat older than I look,” Nico said, gently smiling. Paolo smiled back, dipping his head. “Your life sounds so exciting. I have never been anywhere. I’d love to meet different people living different kinds of lives.” He looked up then, holding Nico’s gaze. “You must have seen some very beautiful women in your travels,” Paolo commented diffidently. Nico shrugged. “I suppose, but then women have never been a particular interest of mine.” “No?” Paolo queried, eyes sparkling. “No, I have always found men much more interesting.” Nico moved closer to Paolo as he spoke, letting his gaze slowly travel over Paolo’s form, the young man blushing a little under the obvious attention. “Are you particularly interested in women?” Nico whispered close to Paolo’s ear. Paolo sucked his breath in, leaning back fractionally to look into Nico’s eyes, and Nico was heartened by what he saw. Paolo was a little flushed, but he held the look and his eyes said the words that his lips did not. “Can we go somewhere a little more private?” “If you don’t have to stay, I know the perfect place,” Paolo told him. Nico grinned. “Stay? No, I only came in the hope I might find someone… interesting.” “And I am interesting?” Paolo queried as he led Nico down a narrow, twisting path through the gardens. It took them away

on RefLection 57 from the brightly lit areas. “No, you are fascinating.” Nico’s voice was husky, and while he spoke he reached out and brushed a hand over Paolo’s hip. Paolo’s steady stride faltered for a moment. He glanced over his shoulder, his smile inviting, and Nico realized he hadn’t felt this happy in a long time. He wasn’t sure why he felt so good, he just knew he did. “Can’t wait, Paolo, need to touch you—now.” “Soon, I promise, a private place, just ahead.” It was only a few seconds before Paolo ducked under the overhang of a large tree and Nico saw where the young man had been leading him. There was a narrow wooden door set in a stone wall, which Nico assumed surrounded the garden of the Duke’s palace. If Nico hadn’t been shown the exit, he would never have found it. After they walked through into what proved to be a small walled garden, Paolo shot home the bolt of the gate. Before he even had chance to turn around, Nico grabbed him and swung him about, pushing him back against the gate in one smooth motion. “Nico!” Paolo gasped, and Nico took the opportunity to stick his tongue into Paolo’s mouth. Paolo sighed, his hands gripping Nico’s shoulders, holding him close. As if Nico would have let him go. Nico wasn’t going to let this prize go until he tasted it, body and blood. Nico had taken many men in his unnatural life, but he’d never tasted one who sent his senses singing the way this one did. He had no idea what made Paolo different, special, and he didn’t care; he just knew he loved the way Paolo felt in his arms, the way Paolo made him feel. Not breaking their kiss, Nico laid Paolo down on the grass. When Nico released him, Paolo lay panting on the ground. Nico swiftly stripped away the young man’s clothes, desperate to get at his skin; sweet tender skin that Nico wanted to worship. Nico’s lips and tongue touched the beautiful body everywhere. Paolo,

58 Stevie Woods who at first had squirmed under his touch, was soon lying rigid and shivering, his eyes wide as he stared at Nico. Paolo tried to speak, but his mouth opened and closed without any words forming. Nico smiled and, leaning down, kissed that luscious mouth again. He felt Paolo relax into the kiss, his tongue twining with Nico’s again. When Nico released his mouth, Paolo’s head dropped back and he sighed. “Nico.” Nico quickly removed his own clothes and moved back into Paolo’s waiting arms. They kissed again, Nico breaking away to kiss his way down Paolo’s body. Paolo’s legs opened, and Nico slipped between them. He finally reached Paolo’s cock, the tip of which he kissed. He glanced up at Paolo to find the young man’s eyes closed, his hands scrabbling about in the rough grass. Nico smiled and went back to loving the delicious flesh between his lips. It didn’t take long at all for Paolo to shudder his way to orgasm, and Nico happily swallowed down every drop he produced. While Paolo was still floating, Nico lifted Paolo’s legs over his thighs and, reaching along the tender skin behind his balls, sought out his pucker. Working swiftly, he prepared Paolo to take him, looking up to see Paolo watching him now. He smiled, and Paolo smiled back at him. “Ready?” Nico asked a moment later, and Paolo nodded. Nico lifted Paolo’s legs to his shoulders and lined his cock up with his lover’s opening. “I promise you’ve never felt anything like this before.” With that, in one smooth stroke, he pushed inside. Paolo shuddered and moaned and Nico leaned forward, brushing his mouth over Paolo’s. “Feel it deep inside? Feel how good it is?” he murmured, pulling out and thrusting back in over and over, pegging Paolo’s sweet spot every time. Paolo mumbled continuously, his head twisting from side to side. Nico licked Paolo’s lips, across his cheek to his neck, where he moved slowly down to the pulse point. Nico could smell the blood, could almost taste it already. He sniffed at the warm skin, taking in Paolo’s unique scent, surprised that it almost

on RefLection 59 overwhelmed the smell of the blood that he wanted so much. He licked the flesh again, nipped it ever so gently, not yet breaking the skin. He wanted to savor this moment, wanted it so badly. He quickened his thrusts inside Paolo, who suddenly cried out Nico’s name. Nico shivered and pulled back to stare at Paulo, who was truly beautiful. In that moment, Nico knew he wanted to see him again, wanted to have him again. Once just wasn’t enough. He didn’t want to take the memory of this experience from Paolo, to just leave him with a vague remembrance of pleasure. He wanted Paolo to remember every moment with total clarity, to remember loving and being loved by him. Decision made, Nico bit into Paolo’s vein, his sharp fangs making tiny pinpricks, just enough for him to take a taste, and the flavor exploded on his tongue. The action triggered his climax deep inside Paolo, making the young man cry out his name yet again. Still reeling from his explosive orgasm, Nico slowly healed the puncture, licking and sucking the tender flesh, leaving a small bruise, his mark on Paolo’s velvet skin. He could have healed it completely, but Nico needed to see the tiny mark of possession. He collapsed on the grass beside Paolo, both of them panting. Nico’s mind was racing with what he had felt, what he had done. He couldn’t remember the last time—if ever—he’d had sex like that and not needed to feed at the same time. This time his emotional connection to the man was more important than anything else. And that had never happened to him before. Paolo rolled over and laid a hand on Nico’s chest, a look of awe on his face. “That was absolutely amazing, Nico. You promised I’d never have experienced anything like that, and it’s true.” Nico just gathered Paolo to him and held him close. He didn’t know what to say, what to do, so he just held on. The only thing he knew for certain was that he had never felt like this before— and he wasn’t about to give it up.

60 Stevie Woods “This is lovely, Nico but I’m getting chilly,” Paolo confessed, kissing Nico’s shoulder as he gently pulled away, looking for his clothes. “I’m sorry.” Nico smiled. “I was so… comfortable, I didn’t want to move.” Nico watched as Paolo covered that beautiful body, sighing as he finally got to his feet and donned his own clothing. Hearing the sigh, Paolo glanced at Nico. “You are well?” he asked, frowning a little. “I will be if I can see you again. Tomorrow evening?” Paolo smiled. “Oh, yes, I would like that,” he said softly. “Where shall we meet?” “Do you know the park not far from the old Bolonska palace?” “Yes, of course. You are staying near there?” “Yes. Will you meet me at the gate opposite the clock tower at ten, please?” “Nico, I want to see you again as much as you want to see me. I have never met anyone like you; no one has ever made me feel the way you do. Just your kiss is addictive, and when you touch me…” “Oh, Paolo,” Nico reached out to caress Paolo’s cheek, “Don’t you know that you make me feel just the same when you touch me. I’m no angel. I have been with many men but I have never, ever felt the way you make me feel.” Paolo blushed, leaning into the caress. “I suppose we better go back,” Paolo said. “I imagine they’ll be looking for us.” “They?” “My family; whoever you came with.” Nico smiled. “Are you asking if I came with someone?” Paolo dipped his head, and Nico put a finger under Paolo’s chin and lifted his face. “I didn’t come alone, Paolo, but Andreas is simply a friend. An old friend. I’m not playing with you, Paolo.

on RefLection 61 My interest is genuine.” Paolo stared deeply into his eyes and Nico met the gaze squarely. “Tomorrow at ten,” Paolo confirmed.

chAPteR eight Nico didn’t bother to wait for Andreas, assuming his friend was enjoying himself with whichever young man he’d chosen for the night. Instead, after taking his leave of Paolo, he headed back to the Bolonska palace. He walked slowly, changing his route at the last moment and moving across the road and into the park where he had arranged to meet Paolo the next night. He felt good, and he had no desire to go inside yet; he just wanted to enjoy the coming dawn before retreating behind the heavy curtains of the palace. He was almost surprised when he saw another man walking through the park. Smiling, Nico decided that fate was being especially kind to him this evening. Moving swifter than a normal human, Nico stepped up behind the man. In one smooth movement, Nico looped an arm around the stranger’s shoulders, and the other hand was placed over his mouth. The man tried to struggle, but was held immobile and couldn’t cry out. Nico whispered into the man’s ear, his voice sounding like sex incarnate, using the wiles on this man that he refused to use on Paolo. Nico turned the man around in his arms, kissing him and whispering words of longing into the man’s mouth. The stranger wrapped his arms around Nico, pulling him even closer, returning the kiss in earnest. Still holding each other, they fell to their knees, Nico opening the man’s trews, pushing them to his knees, releasing the rapidly filling cock. The man scrabbled at Nico’s trews, trying to get to him free, too, but he was all fingers and thumbs so Nico pushed him away, driving him flat on the ground. Quickly shoving his own trews down, Nico stretched out over the man, who was now desperate for his touch. More often than not Nico penetrated his victims, but this night all he wanted was to feed, and he could pleasure his prey just as well without that. Undulating over the man so their cocks slipped and slid

64 Stevie Woods against each other, it didn’t take Nico long to drive him to the very brink, and in a flash, Nico angled the man’s head to one side, exposing the throbbing vein in his neck. Nico could hear the blood pounding through his veins, could feel the heat of the rapidly pulsing liquid beneath the man’s skin as he leaned closer and closer. His fangs were lengthening as he moved into position over the pulse point, and he sank them sharply into the man’s neck. Nico only heard the man’s cry as a distant echo as he drank deeply of the warm taste of life, feeling it flow through him, renewing him. He felt euphoric, and it took an effort to lift his mouth from the tempting well. The man lay lax beneath him now, and Nico lifted his eyes to the stars above, licking the blood from his lips, sighing at the flavor. Nico quickly licked at the wounds in the man’s neck, healing them while he used the power of his voice to make his victim forget that he had been assaulted. Nico released him, helped him dress, and then set the man back on the way he had originally been walking. The man was smiling. He would go home and sleep, and in the morning he would think he’d had a really wonderful erotic dream. Nico had left no marks on his unblemished skin. §§§ Nico entered the house and found Andreas waiting for him, sitting by the fire, nursing a drink. “You look well sated.” Andreas smiled at him. “I saw you crossing the terrace with your prey, a lovely choice. I, too, found a most pleasing young man.” On the spur of the moment, Nico decided not to tell Andreas that he intended to see his prey again. He had this sudden insight that, while Andreas didn’t care how many anonymous men Nico had sex with or fed from, he might react differently if he knew that Nico was really interested in someone. Andreas might speak calmly of the day when Nico would find that special someone and leave him, but as Nico knew only too well, Andreas also had a terrible temper.

on RefLection 65 “Yes, I did have a good evening.” Nico licked his lips and smiled at Andreas. “I am definitely sated. I took a second one on the way home, couldn’t resist.” He laughed. Andreas gave a shake of his head. “My boy, you’re incorrigible.” “You taught me everything I know,” Nico responded, and he was unable to keep a touch of asperity from his voice. Even after all these years Nico could never forget that. Andreas glanced at him but said nothing. “I’m going to rest,” Nico said, turning away. “Nico?” “Yes?” Nico asked, not turning back. “You…I…Nothing, go to bed.” Nico turned to stare at Andreas, whose back was turned, while he stared into the flames. He couldn’t remember the last time Andreas had sounded so uncertain. He watched him for a moment, unsure if Andreas knew he was still there, but when there was no reaction he walked away, expecting that Andreas would probably join him later. They didn’t share a bed every night anymore, but with Andreas’ low mood, Nico expected this would be one of the nights Andreas would need him. §§§ When he awoke the next afternoon, Nico rolled over looking for Andreas and was surprised to realize he had slept alone. Even if they didn’t have sex, Andreas needed his warmth, his company when the dark feelings surfaced. So, either Nico had misread the situation last night and Andreas had not sensed the darkness rising, or it was more than Andreas thought Nico could cope with and he had disappeared on one of his jaunts. Nico never talked with Andreas about what happened during the days he was absent; he was afraid he knew the answer only too well. Nico had managed to survive by taking blood but never taking a life. The same most definitely couldn’t be said for Andreas. He got up, washed and dressed, and went to find Duomo. The servant occasionally picked up interesting tidbits of information

66 Stevie Woods when he went about the city during the day, usually among the simple folk. As he walked into the salon, Nico was surprised to see Andreas there, still sitting in the chair he had been in during the early hours of the morning. “Andreas? Have you been here all this time? Why didn’t you go to bed?” Andreas looked at him, a thin smile on his lips. “I did go to bed, but I could not sleep.” “Then, why—” Andreas interrupted him, “Why didn’t I come to you? Because it wasn’t like that; I was just… I had something on my mind, that’s all.” “And you couldn’t talk to me about it?” “That was what was on my mind,” Andreas said heavily. “What?” “Whether I ought to tell you.” Frustrated by the Andreas’ avoidance, Nico snapped, “By the will of the Divine, Andreas, what are you trying to say?” “I saw you with him, Nico, I saw you. I heard what you said to him. You were so wrapped up in him you never even knew I was there, and you ought to have known.” Andreas got to his feet, his voice rising even as he did. “But all you could see was him, wasn’t it? You don’t even know him! And yet you want him, more than just as prey!” “You spied on me? I don’t believe it.” Nico was angry at Andreas’ presumption. “You don’t own me, Andreas. I stay with you because I choose to. I can just as easily choose to leave. You told me that yourself!” Andreas snapped his mouth shut, his expression a combination of contrition and frustration. He paced in front of the fireplace. “You need to let me make my own way, Andreas,” Nico said more calmly. “I’ve made no plans other than to see Paolo again this evening. I guess you heard that, too?” Nico hesitated when Andreas stopped pacing, standing with his back to Nico. He

on RefLection 67 dipped his head at Nico’s words but didn’t say anything. “Don’t push, Andreas, or you might just push me away,” Nico declared. Then he turned and began to leave the room. “Nico!” Andreas called, stopping Nico on the threshold. Nico turned back with a sigh. “I’m just going to read in the library, I don’t want to be in your presence just now.” “I can’t help it, Nico. You know what you mean to me.” “And I’m sorry I can’t be what you want, but I can’t help that either.” Nico began to walk away again, stopping just as he reached the hall. Looking back over his shoulder, he said to Andreas, “Don’t follow me this evening.” His tone left no room for doubt and he didn’t wait for an answer. §§§ Paolo was waiting for Nico when he arrived at the gate to the park that evening. Nico was ecstatic that Paolo shared his need; he’d been counting the hours until he could see Paolo again. Nico smiled at his enthusiasm. Paolo grinned and shrugged when he approached. “I’ve been waiting to see you all day. If I’d known where you were staying, I might even have called on you this afternoon,” Paolo admitted. “I applaud your zeal. Unfortunately, I wouldn’t have been able to receive you this afternoon. Let’s talk about that later. Right now, I just want to kiss you.” “Oh, yes, please, but not here.” Paolo said. They were in full view of anyone passing on the road, or the main path out of the park. “Come,” Nico said. Gripping Paolo’s upper arm, Nico led him deeper into the park, taking a side path, noticing how much the trees had grown since he had last taken a prey this way. It was the natural things in the world that proved the passage of time to Nico more than anything else. Soon, Nico pulled aside the branch of a tree, leading to what had been a large clearing the last time he had been here. It was

68 Stevie Woods decidedly smaller now, the trees having encroached over the years, but still it was enough for his purposes. Immediately, they were inside the small clearing. Nico smiled at Paolo, who swiftly moved into Nico’s waiting arms. Nico felt his world slip into place for the first time that day. How this man had come to mean so very much to him so quickly was a mystery that Nico had no intention of trying to solve. Nico licked Paolo’s lips, and Paolo opened his mouth. Nico slid his tongue inside eagerly. He’d wanted this taste again all day, and it was as good as Nico remembered. He sighed into Paolo’s mouth, and Paolo pulled Nico closer, his solid cock rubbing against Nico’s thigh. Nico’s cock jumped inside his trews. He wanted to feel Paolo’s skin against it, not his clothing. “I want you, Paolo, now!” “Yes, yes,” Paolo whispered, seeking Nico’s mouth again. Paolo’s body melted against Nico as if they were becoming one. Nico’s hands scrabbled at the lacings and buttons of Paolo’s clothes, desperate to reach the skin beneath. Sharing the need, Paolo sought to help Nico by unfastening his clothing, too. Before long they lay naked in each other’s arms beneath the pale moon. Nico was in no mood for sweet seduction that night; he only wanted to feel, to touch, to taste. Paolo responded feverishly, pulling Nico closer, caressing him constantly, moaning and squirming as Nico pinched and tugged at his nipples with one hand while the other pulled and stroked his cock. Whispering in Paolo’s ear, Nico’s moved his hands to caress Paolo’s balls, first one, then the other, rolling them between his fingers, loving the heat and solid weight of them. Paolo planted his feet firmly and lifted his hips, arching into the touch. “Nico, please, please,” he begged. “Yes, oh, yes,” Nico murmured. Paolo shuddered as Nico pressed a finger inside his hole, almost immediately adding a second, opening Paolo to receive him. A third finger followed as Nico worked swiftly, searching for the special place that would send Paolo soaring. When Paolo

on RefLection 69 moaned, Nico stroked again and again before pulling out. Paolo gasped, eyes tightly shut, body sheened in perspiration, and Nico thought he’d never seen anyone more beautiful. Pressing his rigid cock to Paolo’s hole, Nico pushed in firmly, seating himself fully in one smooth motion. Paolo cried out, back arching, hands reaching for Nico, who held himself over Paolo on one hand. The other rubbed over Paolo’s stomach and chest, occasionally plucking at a nipple. Paolo’s hands landed on Nico’s back and he held on as tightly as he could while Nico plowed into him again and again. Nico lost himself in the sensations thundering through him, in the power he felt from being inside Paolo. There was something visceral in joining with this man, something he didn’t really understand, but Nico didn’t care; he just wanted to feel this way forever. Paolo’s fingers dug harder into his back, as if trying to push Nico even deeper inside. Nico was vitally aware of Paolo’s gasps washing over his body repeatedly. When his movements brought him back up to Paolo’s face, this time he didn’t resist the pull of the temptation. Holding himself deeply inside his lover, Nico kissed Paolo, wanting him to understand exactly how he felt, how much it meant that Paolo surrendered so freely. Paolo’s eyes flew open, holding Nico in their depths, and Nico knew Paolo understood. More, Paolo felt the same. “I love you,” Paolo gasped when Nico broke the kiss. The declaration set Nico’s pulses racing and he growled, pulling out to thrust as deeply into Paolo as he was able. At the same time, he swooped down and slid his fangs into the soft flesh of Paolo’s neck. Arching his back, Paolo cried out, shooting his seed between them, even as Nico climaxed inside him. Nico was flying; he’d never had anyone who tasted like Paolo, or who felt so wonderful in his arms. Paolo trembled, murmuring, and Nico carefully withdrew his fangs, healed the wound, and then kissed his way up Paolo’s neck to his mouth. He kissed Paolo deeply, pouring everything into it, and Paolo clung to him, returning the kiss with equal passion. “Oh, Paolo, I’ve never felt anything like this before,” Nico

70 Stevie Woods whispered. “Good,” Paolo said, kissing him again. “I’ve never had a lover like you before. You make me feel so much, as if I am the center of your world. Even when you mark me, it feels so… so deep, like you were digging deep inside me.” He raised a hand to his neck. “I thought there you had broken the skin, but…” Paolo shrugged. Nico ignored the comment about the mark, knowing he would have to talk to Paolo, but not here, not now. “I can’t explain how you make me feel, Paolo. It’s new to me too. I only know I’m beginning to think I can’t do without you. I—I—You’re special to me,” Nico finished softly. “I want to be special to you; I want you to need me. I meant what I said, Nico. I love you. I know you probably doubt me, thinking that it is too soon, but I know how I feel.” Nico’s mouth opened to speak, but he didn’t seem able to form words. Releasing Paolo, Nico got to his feet. He backed away but never took his eyes from Paolo’s face. Paolo climbed to his knees, his face paling a little, his wide-eyed look never leaving Nico. Taking a deep breath, Nico began, “I’ve a lot I need to tell you about myself, Paolo. Things you need to know before we go any farther.” “I knew it! I knew there was something, that this was too good to be true. There’s someone else, isn’t there?” Paolo scrambled to his feet, grabbing up his clothes as he did so. He turned anguished eyes on Nico. “Why did you let me love you, why did—?” “No, no! Please, Paolo, there isn’t anyone else, I promise. I’m trying to protect you. Please we have to talk, but not here.” Nico thought quickly; he was almost certain that Andreas would be out, finding himself a sweet taste for the night. Deciding there and then, he gripped Paolo’s still naked shoulders in his hands and asked, “Will you come home with me? I will tell you everything. Then you can decide.” Paolo stared intently at him, and then nodded.

chAPteR nine Paolo walked quietly alongside Nico, but Nico could sense how tense he was; Paolo was almost vibrating with it. As they approached the palace gates, Paolo’s step faltered and he glanced about. “But this is the Bolonska palace—you are staying here? How can that be?” Brushing off the query, Nico took hold of Paolo’s arm and led him through the gates. Talking as much to himself as to Nico, Paolo went on. “No one but the family has ever been allowed to use the palace, and even though they have died out, it has been kept sacrosanct by the caretakers.” “The family has not died out at all; at least, one branch of it hasn’t.” Nico replied, releasing his grip on Paolo’s arm and instead sliding his hand to the small of Paolo’s back, urging him forward. “The Corsini cousins have long been paying the caretakers for the upkeep of the palace. I am staying here with my friend, Andreas Corsini. He has always stayed in the palace when he has visited the city.” Paolo was clearly confused, his frowning glance flitting from Nico’s face to the darkened building looming over them and back again to his lover. “Always? But no Corsini has stayed here for many years.” Throwing open the door, Nico laughed, but it wasn’t a pleasant sound and Paolo looked askance at him. Sighing, Nico said, “Yes, it is a long time since Andreas last came home.” “Your friend must be very old.” Nico drew Paolo inside, turning up the low lamp that Duomo had left lit in the hallway. Lifting it, he led the way into the salon. He indicated that Paolo should sit, and diffidently the young man

72 Stevie Woods did as he was bid. Paolo looked around, his eyes widening as he took in the opulence in what he must have assumed to be a virtually abandoned building. He almost started when Nico spoke again from his position by the fireplace. “Yes,” Nico commented, “Andreas is old, much older than he appears.” Knowing how hard it was going to be for Paolo to accept it, his voice was firm as he added, “He was born many centuries ago.” Confused, Paolo asked. “What? Centuries? What are you saying?” For what seemed a long time, but was probably no more than a minute, Nico just stared back, shocked into silence. Then in a low voice, Nico answered, “You know what I am saying. Andreas is a nightwalker.” Decidedly pale, Paolo leapt to his feet, grabbing Nico by his biceps. “By the Divine, Nico! What are you doing with him? You must get away!” Nico hesitated, staring deeply into Paolo’s eyes, looking for something, praying he had not been mistaken in what he believed Paolo felt for him. Finally, he took a deep breath and confessed, “I have been with him for almost eighty years, Paolo.” Paolo went rigid, his grip like iron on Nico’s arms for a moment before he released him and stiffly backed away. If he had looked pale before, now he was positively ghostly. “Paolo, no! Please, don’t be afraid, I would never hurt you, never. I meant what I said; you’re special to me. I love you!” Nico took a step toward Paolo. Paolo lifted his hands to keep Nico back, and moved even farther away. “Love me? Never hurt me? Do you even know what love is?” Paolo put a hand to his neck, fingering the bruise there. “Have you… have you fed from me? Do you intend to change me, make me one of you? May the Divinity protect me!” Paolo put his hands over his heart and lifted his eyes in supplication as he intoned the last sentence.

on RefLection 73 Nico knew he deserved every word, but it hurt nonetheless. Straightening his back, he met Paolo’s shocked gaze steadily. “I cannot—I will not lie to you. I have fed from you, but I only took a taste when we made love. I was desperate to know what you tasted like, but I promise I never took more than a tiny amount, and I always healed you immediately.” Nico hesitated, but knew he had to be completely honest. He may have already lost Paolo, but if the slightest chance remained, he knew only the brutal truth would suffice. “I left a small bruise on purpose; I wanted you to bear my mark.” Paolo sucked in a breath and Nico hurried on. “But no more than I would if I had made love to you as a human. I would have wanted my mark on you just as desperately. I swear. Paolo, I brought you here to learn the truth. I wanted you to know everything about me.” Much to Nico’s relief, Paolo didn’t immediately turn from him and run from the house. He stared in blatant confusion at Nico. “Everything is too much, Nico. I don’t know how I feel— Divinity, I don’t know if I am capable of feeling anything at the moment. I’m just numb. I am—I was in love with you. I have never felt about anyone the way you made me feel about you. But now…” Paolo shook his head, and Nico saw the tears that Paolo had been fighting finally overflow. “I. I can’t. I have to. I can’t…” With that, Paulo turned on his heel and fled from the room. Nico didn’t move, didn’t try to follow, flinching when he heard the front door slam. He sank down on the seat Paolo had vacated, dropping his head into his hands, wishing his tears could fall too, but they seemed frozen like his heart. He supposed he should have expected Paolo’s reaction. Paolo had been quite open the evening before about his religious leanings; besides studying philosophy when he had attended the Temple academy, he had also taken theology. Nico had hoped Paolo’s love would outweigh his beliefs. He had been foolish. Nico started abruptly when the sudden sound of hands clapping sundered the silence. “Oh, my brave boy,” Andreas said, his tone a mixture of approval and delight.

74 Stevie Woods “I’m not in the mood to be the cause of your amusement,” Nico retorted. Andreas’ smile faded a little and he said, “I am not amused.” He shrugged. “Well, not really. I feel for you, but to be honest, what else did you expect?” Nico deflated. “I don’t know. I hoped. I suppose I hoped for too much.” Then it suddenly occurred to him, and he swung to Andreas and asked, “How much did you hear, anyway?” “All of it, my dear boy. I arrived home a little before you did. I had only just gone upstairs when I heard you come in. Forgive me, but when I saw your guest I had to know what was going on.” “So you spied on me!” “Well, how else would I have known? You have been unusually tight-lipped about this one.” Andreas stepped farther into the room. “Now I understand why.” Andreas was right, of course. Nico usually shared everything with the older nightwalker. It had become a habit over the years. Who else could he tell his fears and hopes to, if not Andreas? Yet he hadn’t wanted to share his growing feelings for Paolo, not even with Andreas. In fact, especially not with Andreas. “Tell me what you really feel, what you really want to happen with that young man,” Andreas demanded. “I’m no longer sure,” Nico said quietly. “I love him, and I wanted to be with him. I believed that meant telling him everything, but now that he knows the truth I may never see him again,” Nico added sadly. “Do you want to turn him, is that it?” Andreas pressed. “I… I don’t know. I don’t think so. He said he loves me. It’s possible he might want to stay with me and remain human, isn’t it?” Nico pondered. Andreas laughed harshly. “If you love him, would you want to watch him age and die? It would be little more than the blink of an eye to you,” Andreas declared. “You would have to turn

on RefLection 75 him—or let him go.” “I can’t just let him go,” Nico retorted. “He is the only man I have ever loved, I can’t lose him.” He stared at Andreas, ignoring the pained, angry expression crossing the older man’s visage. “I don’t know what to do,” he bemoaned. “Oh for the—! You’re a nightwalker, you want him? Stop whining and damn well turn him and be done with it!” “The way you turned me?” Nico exclaimed scathingly. “Never. I won’t take him unless he wants it.” Andreas shook his head in disgust and stormed out.

chAPteR ten The next few days were very hard on Nico. He never heard a word from or about Paolo, and he began to believe he really would never see the young man again. He had struggled mightily not to go and search for Paolo, knowing it was important to let the man make his own decision, even if his choice meant he would have nothing more to do with Nico. Andreas had warned Nico the morning after their confrontation that Paolo might even go to the authorities and report their presence, but Nico had refuted that, insisting Paolo wouldn’t betray him like that. Andreas had not been so confident in Paolo’s good graces. Conversely, he really didn’t seem overly concerned that Paolo would be believed even if he did try to report the presence of two nightwalkers in the city. Whereas many people believed in the stories, the official line was that such creatures did not exist; they were merely legends told to frighten simple folk. Nico had been too heartsick to bother discussing the subject with Andreas and had ignored him, prowling the darkened house during daylight and venturing into the gardens during the night hours. He refused to go out hunting, not wanting to risk missing Paolo if he should turn up, but not really wanting to feed either. The only person that Nico wanted to feel under his hands was Paolo. In consequence of Nico’s volatile mood, Andreas had been conspicuous by his absence during those difficult days. He kept out of Nico’s way during the daytime hours, presumably locked away in his rooms, and left the house as soon as the sun went down. Nico wasn’t sure if Andreas was sympathetic to his feelings or just plain angry at what he saw as Nico’s surrender, but at that moment Nico didn’t have time to consider Andreas feelings. He was too wrapped up in his own. §§§

78 Stevie Woods It was almost a week before Nico finally saw Paolo again, and it was with trepidation that he stood holding open the door to allow the young man to enter. Hesitating, Paolo asked Nico to stand back. “I beg of you to allow me room. I wish to speak with you, but I need to keep my distance.” “I am no threat to you, Paolo, I promise,” Nico said earnestly. His heart was beating furiously in his chest. Paolo would never know how hard it was for Nico to just stand there watching him, when all he wanted to do was wrap his arms around Paolo. Reluctantly, he backed away. “I know,” Paolo admitted with a slight smile, “but still I am afraid to be too close to you.” Nico heart seized and he dropped his eyes, believing that Paolo could only have come to say goodbye. He guessed he ought to be pleased that at least Paolo considered him worth that grace. “I am not afraid of being in danger from you,” Paolo explained softly. “I am afraid of my own need for you.” Nico’s head shot up at that sweet confession. “Need?” he breathed. Abruptly Paolo began to pace, keeping the same distance from Nico. “I don’t know what to do. I can’t keep away from you, I don’t want to. I’ve never met anyone who makes me feel the way you do. Having to stay away from you has been horrible; I want to be with you all the time.” Paolo stopped moving then, staring directly at Nico for perhaps the first time since he had arrived on the doorstep. “I want you, but I’m afraid of what you are,” Paolo said, his distress plain in his eyes. Softly, Nico asked, “Are you afraid of me?” Biting his lower lip and looking lost, Paolo finally whispered, “Not you, exactly. I want to believe you when you say you love me, part of me really does trust that, but a little voice keeps… Can a nightwalker really feel anything? You’re not human, not anymore.” As he spoke, Paolo stepped closer. “Do you even know what love really is?”

on RefLection 79 “I do know,” Nico said fervently, lifting a hand to remind Paolo of his own request for distance. Paolo immediately stopped, offering a slight smile of thanks to Nico. “I never experienced love as a human, and despaired of ever finding it once I was turned. Andreas, my sire, declares he loves me, and while I have learned to care for him, I don’t love him. I know very well what love isn’t. Eighty years, Paolo. I have been with many men in my, unnatural life, and not one of them has ever affected me. But you?” Nico shook his head. “That first night, when I went to the ball, I had nothing in mind except a little fun and to feed.” Nico stopped, frowning. “I think I need to go back a little further. I have just realized something I never explained to you. Not once in all my years as a nightwalker have I ever taken a life, Paolo.” Paolo looked astounded at that. “But you have to kill to survive.” “No, I have to feed to survive. It’s not necessary to kill to feed. We have many methods to which we can resort to control or fool our prey. We can create glamours, enchantments to make humans see what we wish, fool their senses, control their thinking. And feeding during sex gives great pleasure to both nightwalker and victim. I have always endeavored to leave any man I am with feeling joy and contentment when I have sent him on his way. He will never know he has been fed upon. I admit that is not only advantageous to the victim but to the nightwalker as well; no hue and cry, no panic because no one knows there is a victim.” “Did you use these glamours on me?” Paolo asked in a shaky voice. Holding Paolo’s stare, Nico answered firmly, “No, Paolo. It was never necessary with you. I don’t deny that it was my intention that first night; at first I thought of you as just prey. An enjoyable distraction for a night.” Nico shrugged. “So what changed?” Nico smiled. “I found you fascinating, and by the time you took me to the private little spot, all I wanted was to touch you, taste you.”

80 Stevie Woods “So you fed from me that first time,” Paolo retorted, a touch of asperity coloring his voice now. “No!” Nico declared. Taking a breath, knowing he must keep calm, he went on, “I admit I almost did, I was so taken with you, but then I knew I couldn’t turn what was happening between us into just another feeding. I took one sip, one drop of blood. I just had to know—you don’t know, can’t understand, how much a man’s blood…” Nico paused, knowing he could never explain how much a nightwalker could taste in a man’s blood, for good or evil; how it almost seemed as if you could taste a man’s soul in his life’s blood. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have. Please, Paolo, you have to believe me. I have tasted you when we made love—and that is what it is when I am with you—but I have never fed from you the way I have with prey. You are not prey to me, Paolo, you are my lover.” Nico reached out to Paolo, not to touch him, more in a form of entreaty, a plea to be believed. Paolo stepped closer again, but this time it was deliberate. He stopped almost within reach of Nico. “I want to believe you, so much. I do love you, Nico, though my conscience tells me I shouldn’t. I told you I was brought up to believe fervently in the Temple.” He laughed harshly. “I even thought I would become a Temple acolyte, until my sexual proclivities became clear to me and that was the end of that. I couldn’t be that deceitful to the Temple.” His eyes met Nico’s. “I was taught that such creatures as you are an abomination. How can I love an abomination? But I do.” He sighed. He took that last step and put a hesitant hand on Nico’s shoulder, “My head might tell me loving you is wrong, but my heart tells me nothing has ever been so right.” “Paolo.” Nico’s voice broke on the name. He placed a shaky hand over Paolo’s hand on his shoulder, closing his eyes to keep his tears from overflowing. As if the dam had finally broken, Paolo pulled Nico into his arms, and Nico returned the embrace with fervor. “I was so afraid, so afraid I would never see you again,” Nico murmured against Paolo’s neck, kissing him. As Nico sensed the blood singing through Paolo’s veins he felt his fangs begin to

on RefLection 81 lengthen, and he forced himself to pull back, his fangs to retract again. However, Paolo sensed something was going on. “What is it? What’s wrong?” Nico smiled wryly. “My unnatural inclinations began to surface.” Paolo frowned for a moment, then his eyes widened as he understood. “You wanted to feed, to taste me?” “Your blood calls to me, but don’t fear, I won’t take any without your permission. Not even to taste, not any more.” Paolo stared into his eyes, and Nico felt as if Paolo stripped away every layer to look into his soul. “In your struggle against what you are, Nico, and your determination to control your need, I see how much you love me.” Pulling Nico close again, Paolo kissed him passionately, pressing hard against him. Gasping, Nico broke the kiss, but only so he could drag Paolo from the hallway into the nearby salon. Paolo was as enthusiastic as Nico during the removal of their clothing, and soon two naked, thoroughly aroused men were touching each other; hands, lips, and tongues exploring every possible inch of exposed flesh. Unexpectedly, Paolo pulled away, causing Nico to look at him in confusion. Paolo smiled and said, “Let me make love to you.” Nico shivered at the husky tone and nodded. “Yes, please.” Paolo stepped closer, his fingers slowly caressing Nico’s chest, drifting across his nipples, and Nico was so turned on that the little nubs were already proud and hard. Nico’s erection brushed Paolo’s thigh, and Paolo’s cock jumped in appreciation. For the next few minutes, Nico struggled to stay still as Paolo’s hands ghosted over him. Feather-like touches over his belly, broad strokes down his flanks, fingers dancing between his thighs; but Paolo stayed clear of his groin, and Nico shivered with need, leaning toward his lover. Paolo simply brushed his lips across Nico’s brow. Nico ached.

82 Stevie Woods “Paolo?” Nico murmured. “Patience,” Paolo whispered back, switching positions a little for better access to the rest of Nico’s body, hand drifting round Nico’s hip to the small of his back. Nico automatically spread his legs. Taking a breath, Nico waited for the touch on his buttocks, but instead Paolo’s hand traveled up his spine and stroked the nape of his neck, making Nico arch into the touch, pushing back. His need was like a fire raging through him, and Paolo’s caress was becoming slow torture. Paolo’s cock slid between Nico’s thighs, the sensation making Nico groan. Paolo put both arms around Nico, one arm around his neck to drape over his shoulder, Paolo’s hand sliding down his chest. Needing to pull Nico closer, Paolo slipped his other arm around Nico’s waist and up over the other breast, fingers finding a nipple. It seemed as if Paolo was unable to keep his fingers still. They caressed and tweaked Nico’s nipples and pectorals until Nico panted with desire. Smiling, Paolo leaned in, his lips brushing Nico’s ear as he whispered, “I want to be inside you, please?” “Yes, Paolo, yes!” They kissed long and deep, tasting each other, changing positions until Nico finally broke the kiss. Taking hold of his lover’s hands, Nico pulled Paolo down to the rug, saying, “Now, Paolo, I can’t wait any longer.” Smiling, Paolo pushed him to lie on his stomach and Nico felt Paolo’s hands caressing his buttocks, long strokes over his cheeks and then along his crease. Nico lifted his hips; he couldn’t help it, needing this so much. It had been some time since he had been penetrated, and for many years it had only ever been Andreas. Now he was going to be breached by the only man he had ever loved. Nico gasped when Paolo suddenly took Nico’s cock in a firm grip, sliding his hand slowly to the tip, gathering the pre-come on

on RefLection 83 his fingers. Paolo pushed a finger inside Nico and carefully began to open him up. Nico squirmed at the delicious feeling, wanting Paolo’s cock inside him, to feel that connection. “You don’t have to go so careful, love,” Nico said, “You won’t hurt me.” “Not going to,” Paolo declared, inserting another finger and then a third. Probing gently, Paolo soon found his prostate, and Nico jerked, crying out. Immediately, Paolo removed his fingers and thrust his cock inside Nico in one smooth movement. “Paolo! More, oh please, more!” Laughing, Paolo pulled slowly almost all of the way out before he thrust back inside, and Nico moaned at the sliding heat inside him; it felt better with Paolo than he could remember with anyone else, ever. His cock was hard and heavy underneath him and he arched his back so he could reach it, gasping when Paolo shoved his hand away, taking hold and stroking Nico’s cock in time with his movements in and out of Nico’s body. Nico shivered, which seemed odd, as his body felt as if it was on fire. Every nerve tingled with heat and Paolo’s hand on his cock burned with every stroke. Where Paolo lay along his back, Nico could feel the perspiration popping out on his skin to slither between them, feeling each drop as it moved ever so slowly across his skin. Constantly murmuring now, Nico moved back and forth, sliding into Paolo’s hand and then back onto his cock. Paolo had increased the rhythm, pounding faster and deeper into Nico, until his movement stuttered and he lost his rhythm working Nico’s cock. Sensation pounded through Nico as his climax began to gather low in his belly. The desire to feed crashed through him, his fangs lengthening in his mouth. Unable to smell the blood or feel the heat of skin beneath his lips, Nico snarled in frustration. “Nico, Nico, love,” Paolo cried, as he slammed into Nico once more. Hearing the beloved voice brought Nico’s awareness back to the here and now, and shuddering, he dragged himself under

84 Stevie Woods control. “Close, so very close now, Nico,” Paolo declared. “Going to come. Want to fill you up!” Paolo shot deep inside Nico, his orgasm making his hand tighten on Nico, who bit deep into his own wrist as he jerked and climaxed all over Paolo’s hand and the rug beneath them. Paolo collapsed onto Nico’s back, gulping air as if into suddenly starved lungs, while Nico shuddered, his fangs still holding tightly onto his arm while he slowly came down from his high. Nico was flying. It was wonderful and he never wanted to return to earth; then he heard a voice murmuring close by. He couldn’t make out the words at first, but he knew that voice. “Let go, love, let go,” Paolo was murmuring. Let go of what? Nico wondered, and then he understood. His body had been desperate to feed and he had bitten the only thing that was available—himself. He had meant what he had said to Paolo, he wouldn’t take from his lover without permission. He retracted his fangs and licked the deep wound in his wrist, eyes flicking up at the concerned Paolo. Rolling over, Nico smiled. “It’s all right, it’ll be fine,” he reassured Paolo. Paolo looked unconvinced, but said nothing, just watched as Nico licked at the torn flesh of his wrist, eyes widening when the wound healed under Nico’s ministrations. “That’s particularly convenient,” Paolo quipped. “Came at a high price,” Nico replied. “Then why did you ever agree to this? What is it about this Andreas that made you?” “Agree?” Nico interrupted. “I never agreed to this. Andreas liked what he saw, and promptly decided I was the ideal companion for him. I admit, when I first met him I was fascinated by him, but I had no idea what he was. It was only later I understood he was using his powers to beguile me; he wanted me and he didn’t

on RefLection 85 care how he got me. He took my body and stole my life and my soul in one fell swoop.” “Nico, Nico, I’m sorry, I didn’t know.” “No, I’m sorry. How could you know? I never told you any of the details.” “But if he treated you so abominably, why do you stay with him?” Nico shrugged, getting to his feet and pulling Paolo with him to sit on the nearby sofa. “That’s not easy to explain. At first, after he changed me, I needed him. I woke up in a completely different world and I didn’t know who—what—I was. I stayed at first just to learn what being a nightwalker meant. I left him for a time, but it was difficult, a new nightwalker alone. I went back because he was all I knew. On top of everything else, he had so much to teach me. He has lived for so long, done so much, and seen everything twice over. There isn’t anything he doesn’t know, and to someone like me, a foundling who grew up in an orphanage, Andreas was…” Nico sighed, wondering how he could ever expect Paolo to understand when even Nico had never known why he had clung to Andreas the way he had. “Do you have feelings for him?” Paolo asked. “Feelings? In a way. It took me a long time to forgive him for what he did to me, but after spending so long in his company he became my friend—more, my anchor. But if you are asking if I love him, have ever loved him? Then the answer is no. It is the one thing I have never been able to give him, though he has always hoped that in time I would return his feelings. I meant what I said, Paolo, I have never been in love until I met you.” Nico caressed Paolo’s cheek. “I think, for the first time, I understand what drives Andreas, what keeps him wanting me though I keep saying no. I never want to let go of you, either.” Leaning into the caress, Paolo said, “I don’t want you to, but…” He stopped. “But what? Tell me, Paolo, I have to know what you’re feeling. Lord, I know how confused you are by all this. I wish I was—I

86 Stevie Woods wish I had met you a lifetime ago.” “How can we be together? I’m human and you are not. I want to spend my life with you but you—are you even alive? You certainly can’t die, not in any natural way. The span of my life will be as nothing to you.” “I know, Paolo. You will grow old gracefully, and I will never change. Do you think I have not thought about that? I hate it!” Nico heard the frustration in his own voice and took a breath, trying to pull back from his own rising anger. More calmly, he continued, “There is a way we could be together, always.” Paolo pulled back to stare at Nico, searching his face. “I would like nothing better, but if you mean the way I think you do, I’m afraid that’s impossible,” he said softly. “Impossible? No, and not even very difficult. I wouldn’t hurt you, Paolo, I swear. I would make the change as easy for you as I could. It would be strange for you at first; you wouldn’t even remember me. But it would soon come back, and you’d remember everything then. Don’t you see? We could be together forever.” Nico pulled Paolo into a hug, stroking his hair. Paolo leaned against him, his interest in Nico’s touch very obvious when his cock twitched against Nico’s thigh, but with a sigh he pulled away. He scooted back from Nico’s embrace to sit at the other end of the sofa, pulling his legs up to wrap his arms around his knees. Resting his head on his knees, Paolo stared at Nico. “Paolo?” “I could never do that, Nico. Not even for you. I love you, but what you have been forced to become goes against the laws of nature and the Temple. I believe in what the Temple teaches about the rights and wrongs of our existence, Nico. I will leave this life when it is my due time; die as I’m supposed to. I will forever regret that you will not be able to join me in the Beyond.” “Paolo, please don’t choose without giving it more thought. It’s too momentous a decision to make so quickly.” “Quickly? I did little else but think after I learned the truth

on RefLection 87 about you. I hardly got any sleep at all during those days we were apart. I thought about every possibility. Why, I even began to wonder if there was any way for a nightwalker to regain the grace of the Temple, to become human again.” “Oh, Paolo, that is not possible, you know that. It will only hurt to dream of such things.” Nico moved closer to Paolo again, pulling Paolo back to lie against his body, and Paolo went willingly. “What are we going to do? I can’t bear to give you up. I won’t.” “I feel the same way. I want to be with you any way I can— except becoming like you. Can you put up with that? Will you still be able to care for an aging lover?” Nico laughed. “I can put up with anything that keeps you in my life. I just wish there was some way to convince you to join me, so we could be together for always.” “All I can promise is that I will stay with you for as long as I live—I pray you’ll want me that long,” Paolo stated. “Longer, if you would let me.” Paolo shook his head, turning his face into Nico’s shoulder. Nico sighed but said nothing else, putting all his energy into showing Paolo just how much he loved him.

chAPteR eLeven “There you are,” Andreas said as he stalked into the room. Nico closed his eyes. He’d hoped for at least a little peace when he had hidden himself away in the library. He should have known better. “What is it, Andreas?” “Well, I wanted to make sure I caught you before you went out to meet your lover.” Andreas managed to put a wealth of loathing into the word. Nico didn’t rise to the bait, feeling only sadness for the crumbling of their friendship. “Well, you’ve found me. What is it you want?” Andreas walked around to stand in front of Nico. “Why do I have to want something? It used to be that you enjoyed spending time with me, whiling away the long daytime hours in my company.” With a bitter laugh, he added, “We even used to sleep together sometimes.” It was blatantly obvious that he wasn’t referring to their sleeping at all. Nico sighed, wishing he didn’t have to go over all this again. “That was before you became so hateful after Paolo came back to me. I’m sick of apologizing to you for something that isn’t wrong, Andreas. It’s not my responsibility that you have feelings for me. I never asked for them.” Feeling his anger rising, Nico halted. “Feelings?” Andreas questioned scathingly. “I love you; I have from the moment we met. You knew that!” “And you knew that I didn’t feel like that about you! I was honest about that.” Nico stood, facing Andreas. “You also knew that I longed to find someone I could truly care for, but despaired I ever would. You said—you promised—you would understand if the day ever came I met someone.” They’d had this same argument over and over for days now, and Nico was heartily sick of it. His hope that Andreas would

90 Stevie Woods be happy for him had soon come crashing down in light of Andreas’ jealous anger. “I am sorry that you cannot be happy for me, because I cannot go on like this. I think the only solution is for me to move out. Find a place of my own,” Nico said quietly. The devastation on Andreas’ face caused Nico distress, but his stomach clenched when Andreas’ expression segued into fury. “Just like that, after so long together, you would just abandon me for this… this pretty boy? What of loyalty, what of faith?” “Faith in what? Your desire to keep me tied to you forever? For what do I owe you loyalty? For turning me into an abomination against my will? Forever taking choice from me? I have given you more loyalty than you ever deserved.” Nico had finally lost control of his anger. His fangs dropped and his hands curled into claws. “You are more deserving of my hate than my love, and I swear to you, Andreas, if you try to interfere between me and Paolo, I will—” “You will what?” Andreas demanded, his own rage loose. His eyes were blazing, almost red in their fury. His fangs shone white against his lips, which were darkly red against the starkly pale face. “Do not threaten me, boy! You wouldn’t stand a chance against me if you…” Andreas stopped, chest rising and falling as he obviously fought for control. “You forget what I’ve done for you, taught you. You were nothing when I found you. Now you are an educated gentleman with a limitless future. You choose to tie yourself to a puny human whose life will be over before it has really begun. Think, Nico, think! We have a wonderful history together, with so much more to come. What can this boy offer you?” “Finally understanding what being in love truly means. The one thing I have longed for and never before felt.” Andreas sneered. “And yet he will not even turn for you. If he truly loved you the way you claim he does, why does he not choose to stay with you forever?” Andreas stepped closer, staring deeply into Nico’s eyes. “I love you, and I want you with me forever.” Andreas stretched out his hand and brushed a finger gently down the side of Nico’s face and down his neck, resting it

on RefLection 91 against the side of his throat. Stepping out of reach, Nico said, “I’m sorry, Andreas, but I don’t love you. I love Paolo, and I will just have to treasure every second with him I can get.” Andreas dropped his still-raised arm. “Then why is he not here? Why does he not live here with you?” he asked scathingly. “You know how difficult that would be for him, but either way I have not asked him. I didn’t think it wise for you two to be living in the same house,” Nico added softly. “Another reason why I think it best if I leave.” Andreas snarled and swung away, striding to the door. Halting with his hand on the door handle, Andreas threw back over his shoulder, “I never thought you would betray me.” He slammed the door. “Betray you?” Nico asked of the empty room. “I never thought falling in love would be seen as a betrayal. I always thought of it as something wonderful, to be desired above all else.” Glancing at the closed drapes, he wished for night to fall so he could find peace in Paolo’s arms. §§§ “Nic! Nic, where are you?” Nic heard Paolo call out as he climbed the stairs. “I’m here, Paolo, on the balcony.” He was still getting used to being called Nic. After finally leaving Andreas, he didn’t want to be known by the epithet his sire had coined for him, but he no longer felt like Nicolo, either. That young man had died the night Andreas had turned him. It was Paolo who solved the problem by simply calling him Nic. Paolo liked it, and that was enough for Nico, for Nic. Striding into their bedroom, Paolo called, “You must come in; it will be dawn soon.” “I know. Don’t worry so.” Nic smiled. “I can always sense when the sun is coming, but sometimes, when I feel the need, it’s good to watch the night die and the fingers of dawn just

92 Stevie Woods beginning to lighten the horizon,” he said wistfully. He never said anything to Paolo, but he hated that they couldn’t really share such simple luxuries the way other lovers could. He had never forgotten when he had been a sailor all those years ago, how wonderful it was to watch the sunrise painting the sky in majestic colors. He would have loved to hold Paolo in his arms as they sat together and watched one of the joys of nature, but it was something they could not really share. He had attempted it once, telling Paolo he could stay for a little in the pale light of the rising sun. Unfortunately, his lover had been so nervous, wanting to drag him inside from the moment the edge of the sun’s disk tipped the horizon, that it had been too nervewracking and not worth the distress to Paolo. “Why are you taking such a risk?” Paolo asked, angrily echoing Nic’s thoughts. He grabbed hold of Nic’s arm, pulling him inside. He closed the door and roughly pulled the drapes shut, throwing the book he carried on the table by the bed. “Oh, I know you have told me the rising sun wouldn’t kill you immediately, but I see no reason to tempt fate.” Nic put his arms around Paolo’s waist, pulling him close, reveling in the feel of this man against him. It had only been a few weeks since he had finally left the palace, asking Paolo if he would help by finding him a suitable house. He had plenty of funds, having learned from Andreas how to accumulate money during their travels. He’d hoped, but hadn’t allowed himself to believe, that Paolo would move into the house with him, so he had been overjoyed when Paolo asked if the house was to be for them. Paolo had his own suite in the family home, but he still lived under his parents’ roof and was expected to do so until he took a wife and established his own household. There was no way he could invite Nic to live with him there, so Paolo’s suggestion to move in with him was like a dream come true. “Of course. I’d like nothing better,” Nico had told him excitedly. “But how? I mean your family?” “I have no family any more,” Paolo said steadily. “I told them

on RefLection 93 yesterday that I was in love with a wonderful young man, and they were scandalized. They demanded I give you up and go prostrate myself in the Temple or they would disown me. I told them you meant more to me than anything and I would never give you up. So…” “Oh, Paolo, I’m sorry.” “It was no more than I expected, but I want to spend as much time with you as possible, and I couldn’t do that when I had to hide your very existence from them. I’ve had to steal away as it is to see you the nights I can, and it is not enough. It is never enough. This way I can spend every night with you and watch over you during the daylight hours.” “I don’t know what I’ve done to deserve you.” “Not enough,” Paolo had laughed, but Nico knew that beneath the brave exterior, his Paolo was hurting. He had voluntarily given up everything to be with Nico. Remembering that day now, Nic held his lover tightly, needing to reassure him. “I’m sorry for scaring you like that, and I promise it wasn’t really a risk. I know exactly when I must hide from the sun.” He sighed. “It is just that there is so much I would wish to share with you that I can’t.” “And I hate that, too, but we have to live with what we have. And that’s each other.” Paolo turned in his arms, reached up to put his arms around his neck to say against his lips. “I love you, and as long as you are with me, all I ask is that you be careful.” “I’ll be with you as long as you live.” Nic almost had to bite his tongue to stop himself saying what he wanted to. He always wanted to ask for more, but it only upset Paolo when he did. However, Paolo heard the words he didn’t say. “Hush, my love. I know you want more time than I can give, and I love you for wanting me with you forever.” Paolo pulled Nic’s head down and kissed him hungrily. “Come to bed for a while,” Nic begged. “You can read some

94 Stevie Woods more nightwalker myth later.” “It’s surprising what is often hidden in myth and legend,” Paolo said seriously. “Yes, yes, but tell me later,” Nic said. “Just now, show me how much you love me.” §§§ It was almost four months since he had last seen Andreas, and when he came across his sire on the way home from hunting one night, it was with a mixture of trepidation and hope that Nic approached him. “Well,” Andreas said, looking him up and down, “the boy lets you hunt still. I thought perhaps he would be too squeamish to allow that.” Andreas’ lip curled nastily. Nic had hoped that when they finally did meet again, Andreas’ mood would have improved, but it seemed it wasn’t to be. “Paolo doesn’t allow me to hunt, nor does he try to stop me. He accepts me for what I am.” “Does he let you feed from him, then?” “Of course he does.” Nic sighed. “And does he ask that you feed only from him?” Andreas asked in a more conciliatory tone. “We have discussed that possibility,” Nic said carefully. He wasn’t about to admit to Andreas that it was the one thing they argued over. Paolo did indeed want Nic to feed only from him, but Nic was concerned that he would weaken his lover too much by feeding from him too often. Nic no longer took just a drop from Paolo when they had sex; he took a full measure, and knew that periodically Paolo needed time to recover. So Nic insisted that occasionally he hunt and feed the way he always had. Paolo hated that Nic had sex with the men he fed from, even though Nic had tried to explain that it wasn’t really sexual, not in the same way it was with Paolo. Nic didn’t want to hurt Paolo emotionally, but he refused to harm him physically. Andreas laughed. “You discussed the possibility! Be careful,

on RefLection 95 boy, or he will have you tied to his bed. Or perhaps that is what you want? Is that what I did wrong? Should I take you forcefully and tie you to my bed?” Nic’s hackles rose and he set himself to fight. “You lay a hand on me—” “You never used to mind my touch, sweet Nico. You found it very appealing once.” Puzzled by Andreas’ swiftly changing moods, Nic relaxed outwardly, but inside he was tense. “Things change, Andreas. What we had was good. I don’t deny that, but I never claimed it was love. You mustn’t deny that. I’m sorry things are so bad between us now, but it is not of my making. My hand will always be open to you in friendship.” “And you should know I can’t be friends with you; it’s not enough, not anymore.” Andreas stalked off, stopping at the turn of the street, “And make sure that boy of yours doesn’t walk the streets alone at night.” A chill trickled down Nic’s spine at that sudden threat. He had never considered that Andreas might wish to harm Paolo. Then he acknowledged that, in his own joy, he had forgotten about Andreas’ dark times. Without Nic’s presence to keep him calm, if an episode occurred, Andreas could wreak havoc.

chAPteR tWeLve “Nic,” Paolo said as he approached Nic, who stood in one of his favorite places, the balcony of their small house, from where he could view the sea over the tops of the houses as they dropped to the harbor. Nic liked to watch the moon over the water, and the lights in the ships below. “Yes, love?” “I know you don’t like talking about it, but how much do you really know about the legends surrounding the nightwalkers? I wouldn’t ask, but it really is important.” Nic sighed; Paolo seemed to have become obsessed with researching every myth, legend, and outrageous story concerning nightwalkers. Nic decided perhaps it would be best to get it out into the open. Maybe then Paolo would let him be about the subject. “I haven’t done anything like the reading that you have,” he said with a smile, “but I know the facts that Andreas told me, things I needed to know to survive. He also answered any questions that popped up as we moved around.” “I’m surprised you didn’t want to delve into everything you could.” “Trust me, living the life was enough,” Nic said dryly. Paolo shrugged and asked, “Is it true that they are very territorial?” “There are variations, but yes. Some of them will let you stay for a while, providing they trust you are just passing through. Others want you out of their area immediately, and will fight to the death if you resist. There are not as many of us around as you might think, and some guard their hunting grounds assiduously.” “Their hunting grounds? Do they only hunt humans, or will some use animals?”

98 Stevie Woods “Human blood is the choice, but animal blood will do if necessary. You have to understand, not all nightwalkers use sex as a distraction. Some of them see humans purely as prey, a food source. They don’t even take humans as servants or slaves. I guess it can be a lonely life.” “Is that perhaps why Andreas wanted a companion?” Paolo asked pointedly. Frowning, Nic stated, “Andreas doesn’t fit into that category.” “That doesn’t answer my question,” Paolo retorted. Nic regarded him thoughtfully. “Maybe at first,” he admitted, “but he was distraught when I left him that first time. It was weeks before I returned, so if all he wanted was a companion, he could easily have taken another. But he didn’t. He waited. He told me he loved me and he was waiting for me to return to him.” Paolo looked unsure, but didn’t question Nic’s belief in Andreas. “When you came out here, you said it was important?” Nic pressed. “Very well, I can move on.” Paolo smiled. “Have you ever heard of Leliel?” “Who?” “The angel of the night,” Paolo explained. Nic laughed, “That sounds like the kind of ironic name a demon would call himself.” “Oh, no, he really is an angel. He’s pretty obscure, I guess, but I’d heard of him before during my studies.” “So why are you interested in him now?” “Because there is a legend that he created a device, a talisman of some kind that can change a nightwalker back into a human being.” “Myths and legends, I’m sick of hearing about them!” Nic slammed his hand down on the stone balustrade. If he had been human, he would probably have broken his hand.

on RefLection 99 “And I told you this could be important,” Paolo snapped back. “I have told you before; most myths have some truth at their core.” “Ha! Well, I don’t believe this one does. Why would an angel want to help an abomination—your word? It makes no sense.” “I admit it is too early to be certain of anything, but I am going to keep researching this one. It is the best possibility I have seen.” “Oh, Paolo, you are just going to get hurt. I am what I am, and there is nothing that can be done about it. It breaks my heart to see you like this. I know how much you despair of what will happen to me when I finally leave what passes for my life. I would give anything to be able to join you in the Beyond, but if you truly believe in your Temple teachings, you know it can never be.” “I have more faith than you do. I am not going to give up trying.” Paolo turned away and moved back inside. “Paolo,” Nic called after Paolo, but he didn’t respond. Paolo could be extremely stubborn when he had a bee in his bonnet. Damn, Nic wished he could do more for Paolo. His life was so insular, revolving entirely around Nic. Oh, not that he would ever complain, or that it didn’t have its good side; they were very happy together most of the time. It was just this obsession with trying to find a solution that didn’t exist. Nic saw only heartache in it for Paolo. §§§ No matter what Nic said, Paolo insisted on carrying on his research, particularly in following up any link, however vague, that led to Leliel. Even though he didn’t like it, Nic kept his doubt to himself and helped Paolo whenever he could. Of course, during the daytime when Paolo scoured the old shops and the Temple, Nic had to stay safely indoors. If ever Paolo went out after dark, he was always accompanied by Nic. The times when Nic felt the need to go hunting, times that gradually became less and less, Paolo stayed safely in their home.

100 Stevie Woods One evening, almost a year after Nic had first heard the name Leliel, Paolo came bursting into the bedroom. “Nic, Nic, I have found it at last.” “Found what?” Nic was distracted. He had decided to go out hunting that night and was trying to decide what to wear. The less he felt the need to hunt, the more fastidious he became in his choice of partners, and he dressed to impress—and to seduce. “I found a very old parchment in the Temple archives, it dates back centuries. Anyway, it’s not complete, but it contains the histories of a few of the more obscure angels, and one of them was Leliel.” Paolo could hardly keep still. “It mentions the talisman, Nic. It’s real.” “Paolo, just because it’s mentioned in an old document doesn’t mean it’s real,” Nic said gently. “There is a drawing of it! The author of the document saw it; he said he was drawing it from memory. Don’t you understand? It is real. It could be your salvation. Look!” Paolo shoved a sheet of paper under his nose. In the center was a drawing of what looked like a long shard of crystal, pointed at one end with the other end dangling from a chain. “I’m sorry it’s rough, I’m not the best artist,” Paolo admitted. “But can you see what I was trying to convey?” “I think so. Some kind of pendant. It’s an odd shape.” “That’s because each facet of the gem, no one knows what kind of gem exactly, needed to reflect in a particular fashion. I still don’t know exactly what it is supposed to do,” Paolo admitted, “but at least now we know it exists.” Nic didn’t want to burst Paolo’s bubble, but his first thought was that if the artist had not lied, all they knew for certain was that it had existed once, many centuries ago. Paolo threw his arms around Nic. “Don’t be so negative, my love. It’s a chance, more than we had yesterday.” Nic couldn’t deny that, so he smiled and hugged his lover back. “You’re right, of course, as always.”

on RefLection 101 Paolo laughed. “That’s not what you usually say.” Then Paolo noticed that Nic was dressed to hunt, and in a much more subdued voice he said, “Oh, I forgot you wanted to go out tonight.” Paolo never referred to Nic’s occasional night-time jaunts as ‘hunting.’ “Do you have to?” he asked softly. “I wish I could say no, but I really need to feed.” “And I can’t give you enough?” Paolo looked hurt. “You know it’s not that. I have taken some from you every night now for far too long. You need to recover.” Nic smiled. “I promise I won’t be too long. Will you wait up for me?” “What if I said no?” Paolo said coldly. “What if I said I was going out myself ? You can enjoy yourself with others when you feel like it, why shouldn’t I?” Nic was shocked. He had never heard Paolo talk like that before. The very idea of his Paolo with another man was like a knife in his gut. “Paolo? You wouldn’t…” “Why the hell not? You do!” “I don’t do it from choice. I… I…” “You what? You’ll die if you don’t go and have sex with someone else? I can’t stand the idea of you being with another man. You are mine.” Paolo closed on Nic. “Only a short time ago we spoke of nightwalkers surviving on the blood of animals, that it wasn’t necessary for them to indulge their carnal appetites to feed. Why must you?” Nic’s mouth dropped open. It was true, yet he simply had never considered it. All he knew was what Andreas had taught him, to feed while you took a man. By the Divine, he was a fool. “I mean it, Nic,” Paolo pressed. “You go out hunting, and so will I. I put up with it when I believed there was no other way, but not now I know better.” “And now I see what a fool I’ve been.” Nic shook his head, aghast at his shortsightedness. Or was it Andreas’ manipulation? “I’ve fed the way I was taught and never considered there was an alternative. I’m sorry, Paolo. I will do as you ask. If I need to feed

102 Stevie Woods when I can’t be with you, then I will choose an animal. I swear.” Paolo searched his lover’s face and seemed to accept what he saw there, wrapping his arms around Nic. “I want you to belong to me and only me,” Paolo said intently. §§§ Nic was glad to be returning home. He had let a very appealing young man pass him by. Any other night and he would have fed, but he kept his promise to Paolo. He had followed the scent of a fox in a small wood on the outskirts of the city, and had drunk his fill from the animal. He had not enjoyed the taste as much as that of a man, but it would suffice for this night. Now all he wanted was to get home to Paolo. He was not very far from home when he felt it, and it was so strong he stopped dead. At first he wasn’t sure what he sensed, it was so unusual; it felt almost as if his flesh was crawling over his bones. He felt deeply disturbed; afraid, but he didn’t understand why. Then a flash of horror stole over him and he understood the feelings were not his, they were Paolo’s. The longer they had been together, the more attuned to him Nic became. His lover was in deep distress. Breaking free of the spell that held him in its grip, Nic ran, throwing all his senses open, searching for answers. He was horrified at what—at who he thought he sensed. The closer he got to home, the more his exceptional hearing caught snatches of words, distorted, with occasional gaps, but more than enough to have a fair idea of what was happening. He would know Andreas’ voice anywhere. “What does he see in a puny being like you?” Andreas demanded, almost drowning out Paolo’s piteous cry of, “Please, no!” “I begged Nico, too, but he ignored me. Until you showed up, he was all mine. Once you are gone, he will come back to me where he belongs.” The coldly-spoken words chilled Nic’s heart and he put on a last burst of speed, almost flying up to the balcony where the doors to the bedroom stood wide open. The scene that greeted

on RefLection 103 him was horrific. Nic froze in shock at the sight of Andreas holding a half-naked Paolo up against the wall, his neck stretched at what seemed an impossible angle by the nightwalker’s fangs sunk deeply into his throat. Then Paolo moaned and Nic leapt forward, snarling and cursing as he tried to pull Andreas from his lover. Nic’s fingers became claws as he fiercely grabbed hold of Andreas, but the other nightwalker fought back, refusing to release Paolo and raking his claws across Nic’s chest. Nic cried out in pain but didn’t let go of Andreas, instead wrapping his other arm around his opponent’s upper chest even as he sank his fangs into the nape of Andreas’ neck. Nic pulled with all his might, at last yanking Andreas from Paolo, who dropped to the floor like a rag doll. His opponent roared in anger, but even Andreas’ claws and fangs couldn’t stop the rampaging Nic as he swung Andreas in the direction of the open doors, lifting him off his feet as he did so to propel him bodily over the balustrade. Panting and only seeing the world through a red haze of fury, Nic saw his sire stagger to his feet below, blood pouring from wounds in his shoulder and neck. Nic lifted a leg to vault over the balustrade, intent on killing Andreas, only stopping himself when Paolo’s weak cries broke through his frenzy. Rushing back inside, Nic cursed himself for allowing his anger at Andreas to distract him from seeing to his lover. Heart pounding as he gathered Paolo in his arms, Nic gently lifted him and placed him on the bed. “Paolo? Can you hear me?” Eyes limply fluttering open, Paolo tried to focus on Nic. He was extremely pale. The fang marks on his neck were very jagged, either caused by Andreas’ rough treatment or possibly by Nic yanking him away. Grabbing up a shirt from the bed, which Paolo must have taken off before Andreas had attacked him, Nic used it to staunch the blood still leaking erratically from the wounds. Paolo looked terrible, and Nic was sore afraid.

104 Stevie Woods “Please, please, Paolo, don’t give up. Don’t leave me.” Nic couldn’t stop the words pouring out of him. “Nic,” Paolo gasped. “So… glad. He… said awful things. I know… he lied. I’m sorry.” His eyes slid shut again. “No, Paolo. Don’t be sorry, look at me, fight!” “Too tired… too late,” Paolo coughed with the effort of speaking, flecks of blood peppering his lips. Nic tried to fool himself, but deep down he knew. Andreas had taken too much, Paolo was dying. “Paolo, look at me! Look at me!” Paolo eyes fluttered again. “You have to let me finish what he started,” Nic begged. Paolo frowned and then his eyes opened wider. “No.” “Paolo!” “I love… you, but no,” Paolo gasped. “I can’t lose you, I can’t. Please let me do this. For us? Please, Paolo. I need you.” “You… promised... me, Nic.” Each word was gasped out as Paolo fought for breath, his face twisted as he struggled against the pain. Nic dropped his forehead against Paolo’s and the tears fell. “The Divinity demands… high price… for loving you… no regrets...” Paolo coughed again, gasped softly, and his eyes closed as his head lolled backward. “No!” Nic screamed, wrapping Paolo in his arms, rocking him against his body. “Paolo, Paolo?” His cries were met with only silence. Nic had no idea how long he sat on the bed cradling Paolo’s body in his arms, but he ached from desperately needing to cry tears he was no longer able to. He carefully slid out from under Paolo, straightening out his arms and legs, making him comfortable. His eyes were drawn to the terrible wound in

on RefLection 105 Paolo’s throat, and he closed them rather than see the evidence of his own failure. He pulled a sheet from the bed and wrapped Paolo’s body in it. He had been a fool. It had been so long that he had almost forgotten Andreas’ threat. He certainly never considered that his sire might actually come into their home to attack his lover. He had taken Andreas at his word, thinking Paolo would only be at risk outside alone at night. How could he have been so blind? Nic howled, screaming out Andreas’ name in fury, trying to find some release from the pain and guilt in his heart. He turned toward the balcony, determined to go in search of Andreas, and it was only then he saw that not only were the drapes open, so were the doors. Dawn was climbing over the horizon on this midsummer’s day, and even dawn would destroy him this time of year. For the eternity of a second he contemplated letting the bright sun touch him and end his heartache, but he knew Paolo would have hated him for that, and he reluctantly closed the drapes. Besides, if he died, how could he kill Andreas?

chAPteR thiRteen Nic paced behind the drawn drapes, watching and waiting for the sun to dip low enough that he could venture out. His first duty would be to bury Paolo’s body, laying the body of the man he loved in the cold unwelcoming earth of their own garden. Not what Paolo deserved but it was the best he could do. His thoughts had plagued him all day, dreadful imaginings that gave him no peace, and he cursed the Divinity that Paolo had thought so highly of. He hated that he didn’t know how long Andreas had been with Paolo before he had returned, and he couldn’t help but wonder if Andreas had enchanted Paolo and taken him before he had fed from him. As if that didn’t hurt enough, it occurred to Nic that perhaps Andreas hadn’t wanted to resort to using his powers on Paolo. He would have preferred Nic’s lover to fully experience what was happening to him. Nic had to remind himself that there were no obvious signs that Paolo had been forced to have sex before he had been killed. So, Nic chose to believe Andreas had been more interested in punishing Nic by murdering his lover, than in the pleasure he would have derived from his power over Paolo. Glancing again at the covered window, Nic saw it was maybe thirty minutes until he could place his lover’s body in his final resting place, say prayers over Paolo that Nic himself no longer believed in, but for Paolo he would say them with purpose. Then, he could go in search of Andreas. Nic’s patience was wearing very thin, and, while it was tempting to risk leaving the safety of the house immediately, it wouldn’t do to weaken himself now. He had fought hard all day to hold onto his self-control, his fury bubbling just beneath the surface. It seemed easier to concentrate his thoughts on revenge against Andreas than the emptiness that swamped him at the loss of Paolo. With murder in his heart, Nic repeatedly relived the few

108 Stevie Woods phrases he had overheard spoken by Andreas, his anger increasing minute by minute. How dare Andreas act as if Nic belonged to him? Andreas had even gone so far as to suggest that once Paolo was gone, Nic would simply return to him. Nic was so furious at that assumption that his only desire was the destruction of his sire, and he didn’t care if it cost him his life. He itched to get his hands on Andreas. He knew he needed to get control of himself. Paolo came first. At last! The sun had gone. Gently picking up Paolo’s wrapped body, Nic made his way into the garden. He placed the body on ground and taking a shovel from the tool shed he dug a grave not far from Paolo’s favorite tree. With his superior strength it took no time at all. He laid Paolo carefully in the grave, placing his hand over Paolo’s heart one last time. He covered the body, hiding Paolo from the eyes of man so only the Divinity could see him, saying the prayers of internment as he worked. Instead of marking the grave in the usual way, Nic leveled the surface as much as he could and replaced the rough pieces of turf he had dug up to try and hide the presence of a grave. When he finished, Nic stared at the grave and said, “I love you Paolo, and I am sorry that I brought you to this. I hope you can forgive me.” Nic backed away accepting the pain he felt as his due. Now he had laid his lover to rest he could go after the thing that had killed him. Covering the ground in leaps and bounds, he headed for the Bolonska palace, refusing to consider that he might miss Andreas. There were a few lights on in some of the ground floor windows, but Nic knew they were in the part of the house used by the servant, Duomo. Nic had known the servant for many years, since he had turned from boy to man, but he also knew that Duomo’s loyalty was wholly for Andreas, only transferring to Nic by default as the favored of his master; a position Nic no longer held. Not surprisingly, the front door was not only locked, it was also barred. The lower floor windows were shuttered and Nic knew they were also barred. Andreas took no chances when it came to his security. Nightwalkers were very vulnerable during

on RefLection 109 the daytime hours; even another nightwalker would find it difficult to break through those doors. Nic pounded on the door, shouting for Andreas. He kept thumping the solid wood, ignoring the damage he did to his hands. Abruptly, the sound of the bolts being pulled back stunned Nic, and he automatically stepped back. Duomo stood in the opening. Staring at Nic, he said coldly, “My lord Andreas is not at home.” “Let me pass,” Nic demanded, ignoring the servant’s words. “I would see him.” “He is out, Master Nico. You know his habits.” “I know more about him that you do,” Nic said angrily. He could tear the man limb from limb, but Duomo was not his target. He threw the man aside and stormed into the building. “Andreas!” he shouted. “Where are you, you bastard?” “I told you,” Duomo said in a pained voice, and Nic saw that he held his abdomen. “He is out. He left as soon as the sun had gone.” Not wanting to believe him, Nic ignored the man. Taking the stairs two at a time, he climbed to the upper levels, calling out and looking in room after room, but he couldn’t find Andreas. He hurried back to the entrance. Duomo was still waiting there, holding the door open. “I did not lie, sir. The master is not at home.” “Then I will find him out there,” Nic said harshly. Volenzkya was a large city, and Nic had no certain way of knowing where Andreas had gone. He may have left the palace purely to avoid Nic, or he may just have gone on a hunt. Sourly, Nic thought that Andreas had no real need to feed so soon after… after Paolo, so it was more likely he was avoiding Nic. Realizing that running all over the city looking for Andreas was useless, Nic stopped. He needed to think. No one knew Andreas like he did. He had to let his knowledge of the man work for him. Whether or not he was avoiding Nic, Andreas would not

110 Stevie Woods waste the opportunity to find prey. Andreas enjoyed the game. Even when he didn’t need to feed, Andreas reveled in the excitement of choosing a target: a body to take at his whim, the joy of feeding emphasizing the pleasure of his climax. He would want to go to a location where there was plenty of choice, but with the convenience of a good quiet place to take his prey. Nic knew just the place; there was nowhere more crowded, yet with more hiding places, than the docks. §§§ It didn’t take Nic long to cross paths with Andreas. It was just unfortunate that it was after he’d fed. And Nic wasn’t the first on the scene. It was the blood that had led Nic to the location. There was so much blood, more than Nic had ever smelled before, and he was forced to come screeching to a halt as he turned the corner. There were two men kneeling beside the body of a man. At first Nic thought perhaps the man was the victim of a simple murder; it was not that unusual an occurrence in such a place. Forcing himself to ignore the strong smell of the blood, Nic was about to move past, searching again for Andreas, when the scent of his sire overwhelmed him. Whatever had happened here, Andreas had been involved. Nic approached the two men, “What happened?” he queried, peering beyond them to get a good look at the dead man. Divinity, it looked as if he had been ripped apart, and he was practically naked. One of the strangers glanced at him. “We don’t know.” “Yes, we do,” the other man interrupted, “It’s obvious some kind of wild animal did this. Look at him! He’s been torn to pieces.” “This far into the city? Did anyone see anything?” Nic queried. He knew the answer was no; he only asked because it seemed the kind of question he should pose. Nic was pretty sure there was only one reason the man had been killed so brutally; Andreas was in the throes of one of his dark times, and without Nic to calm him, he had given in to its call.

on RefLection 111 Others arrived, expressing horror and asking more questions. In the confusion, Nic slipped away to continue his search. As he edged away he could scent more blood, more death. As the night slipped away, the dock area slid deeper into horror. Another body was found, in a similar state to the first, and yet again Nic arrived just a few minutes too late. It was driving him insane. He had to find Andreas. He deserved to be the one who found him. It was his right to kill Andreas. Nic supposed he ought to want to stop Andreas because of his increasing violence, because of the innocent men he slaughtered, but in truth all he could think of was that Andreas had murdered his lover. Worse, he had done so deliberately, with only one thought in mind: to punish Nic in the vilest way he could for daring to leave him. To destroy the only person Nic had ever loved. Even as Nic felt the pain wash over him again at such thoughts, a scream split the air. Nic spun on the spot and ran as fast as his nightwalker strength allowed him toward the sound. He dashed across the square and down the narrow alley at the end, and on to the large inn on the corner, which he rounded at top speed, almost coming to grief when he lost his footing. He only managed to keep his feet by grabbing onto the edge of a windowsill, staring in horror at the slick pool beneath his feet. Not again, he thought, his eyes following the trail of blood, to freeze in shock at the sight that greeted him. The blood ran thick from the corpse of the once-handsome man whose body had been slashed from his navel to his neck—from where Andreas drank deeply. A detached part of Nic’s mind recognized that the man was already dead; he lay limply in Andreas’ arms. He blinked, and the miniscule movement seemed to snap him back to reality. In the same instant, Andreas must have sensed his presence over the blood lust, because he turned to face Nic. With a speed that even Nic found difficult to follow, Andreas tossed the corpse away and jumped into the air, meeting Nic mid-leap and knocking him aside as if he were no more than a rag doll. With a growl, Nic regained his footing and charged at Andreas

112 Stevie Woods again, but his sire was too fast, meeting every attack with a power that Nic hadn’t encountered before. If nothing else, it reminded Nic just how old Andreas really was, making Nic realize he had never seen Andreas under threat, fighting for his life. Nic was abruptly afraid that beating Andreas was beyond his power. With a snarl, Nic pulled himself together. Losing was not an option. “You bastard!” He dove at Andreas, arms reaching, fingers curved into claws. He managed to grasp Andreas’ biceps and pulled the nightwalker closer, his fangs lengthening as he angled his head in an attempt to tear out Andreas’ throat. He was so focused on Andreas’ throat he didn’t see the movement. Nic screamed when Andreas’ razor sharp nails scored across his belly. Automatically Nic curled around the agony and Andreas leapt back, laughing. Nic straightened, gritting his teeth against the pain, knowing his body would already be beginning to heal. Andreas seemed to be enjoying his anger, or maybe his frustration. Nic knew he ought not to give in to his emotions, but he was too caught up in his need for retribution to stop himself now. Andreas was here, there was no way he was going to escape. “No, no, my sweet Nico,” Andreas said softly, smiling, his tone and the endearment stopping Nic cold. “Not yet.” Recovering, Nic moved, but he was a fraction late. Andreas leapt up on top of the flat surface over the vestibule of the inn, and from there he had a clear route to the roof of the building. Determined he wouldn’t escape, Nic made to follow him. His attention wholly on Andreas, he had missed until that moment the sound of an approaching crowd, probably drawn by the noise of their fight, most likely expecting yet another murder. Seeing the ripped apart body of the latest victim, they would be out for blood. Nic guessed that Andreas had likely heard them coming, which was why he had abruptly climbed upwards. The momentary delay proved disastrous for Nic as he turned to go up after Andreas; hands grabbed his legs and attempted to pull him down. Nic was torn; he wanted to get Andreas, but he didn’t want any more innocents harmed. The easiest way, of course, would be to call on his nightwalker abilities, but there was no

on RefLection 113 way he could bewitch a dozen men, with more on the way by the sound of things. Glancing quickly upward, Nic confirmed that Andreas was out of sight, leaving Nic as the only target for the crowd’s wrath. He couldn’t let them get their hands on him. He had to act, and quickly. Kicking out with all his might, he dislodged the hands on his lower body. With a twist of his body, he thrust his feet against the side of the building, launching himself upwards on to the top of the vestibule, and from there he leapt up onto the roof of the inn. He heard the men below yelling, some disbelieving of what they had seen. Then the sound of boots scraping on stone could be heard as at least one man climbed up the wall after him. Nic ran swiftly across the roofs. He could soon outdistance a human, but where was Andreas? In answer to his unspoken question, Nic heard laughter. Looking to his right, he saw his nemesis on the roof of another building across the street. Andreas smiled at him, waved, and gave an exaggerated bow before turning and sprinting away across the roofs. Gritting his teeth to stop his scream of frustration from escaping and alerting the searching crowd, Nic looked for the shortest way across to the other side of the street. He could hear the crowd running through the streets below and couldn’t risk falling among them. He saw where the road narrowed a few houses further along, making it possible for him to jump across. He bolted toward the spot, not slowing down as he leapt from one roof to the other across the divide. He kept going, dashing in the direction he had seen Andreas take. He knew, of course, where Andreas would be going: home, to the Bolonska palace, and Nic would follow him every step of the way. This time, one of them would not see the dawn. The dawn! It was clear from the way the sky was changing that it would soon be time for the sun to rise over the horizon. He dismissed the thought. He had time to reach the palace, he knew he did. Didn’t he? The dock area was a long way from the center of town, and the higher the sun rose the weaker he became, especially at this time of the year. He needed to be at

114 Stevie Woods full strength to even consider facing Andreas; the nightwalker had proved so much stronger, more powerful than Nic had considered. Reluctantly, Nic acknowledged that now was not a good time to face his sire, and he howled his frustration into the fading night. His thirst for revenge would have wait on another turn of the sun. §§§ The next night Nic headed for the palace as soon as the sun set, but he wasn’t surprised to discover that Andreas was already out. Nic made his way toward the dock area again, wondering if Andreas would choose a different location. It seemed Nic had been right in his contemplation. The terror Andreas had created with his horrifying murder of three young men in one night resulted in the streets and alleys being all but deserted. Logically, Andreas should back off, let the fear subside before he hunted again, but if he was still caught up in up one of his dark times it was unlikely logic would enter into it. Nic knew he had a hunt of a different kind to undertake. Three nights later and Nic’s frustration was at an all-time high. Andreas had struck again each night, always in a different area, and each time his hunt had led to the death of his victim. He had exercised enough control to only take one victim each night, but the city was in a state of panic. Never before could anyone remember such a spate of mindless, brutal murders, a total of six men in four nights. Panic stalked the city and rumors regarding nightwalkers were rife. The people had come to their own conclusion about who—or what—was behind the murders, but the Temple came down hard on such beliefs. That opinion was backed by the Duke and his council; the official word was that such creatures did not exist, and some insane person was behind the atrocious murders. The authorities instituted a curfew forbidding anyone other than the city guard and other essential personnel from being out after dark. Nic knew that such restrictions would neither affect Andreas, nor would they necessarily protect a prey Andreas had chosen.

on RefLection 115 Andreas could charm a man if he could get close enough. At worst, he could break in to the man’s lodging. Not a choice Andreas would usually make, for it meant the victim wasn’t under his influence yet and might have time to raise the alarm. However, if the nightwalker was desperate enough, it was a distinct possibility. None of these deliberations helped Nic to find Andreas, whose actions seemed random, without any pattern that he could use to foresee Andreas’ next move. Nic didn’t doubt that Andreas would be out hunting again this night, but where to start looking for him? In a city as huge as Volenzkya, even with his nightwalker powers he could search every night and still never find him. So many days since Paolo had died, and Nic’s failure to wreak revenge was driving him insane. He didn’t know where to turn next. He needed to find a way to get to his nemesis. Tracking him had failed, as had trying to work out where he would strike next. The only sure way was to catch him when he returned to his safe haven, the Bolonska palace. Aware Nic was after him, Andreas was waiting until the last possible moment to return home, knowing that Nic couldn’t lay in wait for him so close to his own deadline. Nic’s head snapped up. “You fool!” he exclaimed, running to the balcony and leaping into the garden below. He ran as fast as he was able; he wanted to reach the palace as soon as he could. Glancing up at the sky, he gauged it would be about an hour before the sun rose, more than enough time to be inside before Andreas was likely to return. Why he had never thought of it before? Divinity! What had he been thinking? Clearly he hadn’t been thinking rationally at all, not really. He’d had no patience for anything but getting his hands on Andreas. He realized now he hadn’t even mourned Paolo properly; he had kept remembering that last night, the horror, the pain, the loss. He’d not spared time to remember the joy, the laughter, the companionship, the love. Oh, Paolo! You deserved a better love than I could give you. §§§

116 Stevie Woods As he approached the palace, Nic slowed his pace. He didn’t want Andreas to be warned, so he would need to incapacitate Duomo first. He had no wish to harm the man. He was only doing his duty to Andreas as he saw it. Nic had never been quite sure why the Benetti family was so loyal to Andreas. He had asked once just after he had first joined Andreas, but the answer was vague. Afterwards, he hadn’t particularly cared; he’d just accepted the service as offered. As Nic scanned the large building, the first thing he noticed was the total lack of light. Something was wrong; Duomo usually kept at least one lamp lit, and there was always a fire burning in the downstairs salon. He let all his senses free, searching, yet he felt nothing. Bursting from his hiding place, Nic dashed toward the door—and didn’t stop. He crashed through, smashing it from its framework. He slid to a halt in the huge entrance hall, listening. Nothing. He called out for Duomo. He screamed out Andreas’ name. He took the stairs three at a time, throwing open the doors of the suite that Andreas used and peering inside. He wasn’t altogether surprised to find it empty, Andreas was probably still out hunting. From there he ran full tilt along the narrow twisting halls to Duomo’s room, and it, too, was empty. He stood there panting, turning in a full circle, his mouth dropping open in shock as he stared at the drawers haphazardly pushed to, the wardrobe doors hanging open. Empty, everything was empty. “No!” he gasped. He felt sick to his stomach at the realization that they had gone. Andreas was not simply out hunting. Pain ripped through him. Andreas had escaped his vengeance. Andreas and Duomo must have made plans to depart the city. They had probably left the previous day, Duomo safely moving Andreas into the heavily veiled carriage, leaving the trail cold so there was no way that Nic could possibly find them. He thought he had been vigilant, but with a sick fury he grasped he had always been at a disadvantage. He was trapped inside during the daylight hours, whereas Andreas had the help of a human who could move about freely. Nic’s only link to the day had been Paolo.

on RefLection 117 Dear, sweet Paolo. His pain gave way under his fury, and with a snarl he grabbed a chair and threw it across the room to smash the mirror. It felt good to release his rage and he tore through the house, destroying everything he could lay his hands on. Exhausted, he fell to his knees, only then becoming aware of the slow, icy tears running down his face.

chAPteR fouRteen As dawn was about to break, a brooding and distressed Nic returned home. The truth of his situation hit hard as he made his way back to the house he had shared with Paolo. He couldn’t let go of his need for revenge against Andreas, but he couldn’t follow the man traveling only at night. He would never be able to catch up when it was possible for Andreas to travel by day, too, because of the help of the loyal Duomo. Pacing the bedroom he had shared with Paolo, he knew there was only one solution. It wasn’t something he wanted to do, but he had no choice. He needed to use his powers on a human, beguile someone into wishing to serve him. He needed his own version of Duomo. Beguiling was one of the nightwalker gifts he had never used, not in its full force. When he took a victim to feed, he used a simpler version of it to entice the man into wanting him, but to influence a human to a greater degree? Nic had never done it. He had never needed to. When he was with Andreas, there had always been Manolo and then Duomo, and then he had fallen in love with Paolo, who had stayed with him freely. Nic couldn’t help the feeling that he was in some way betraying Paolo by doing this. But, almost as if he heard Paolo speaking to him, he realized that was far from the truth. Whoever he beguiled would have no choice in being with him; if anyone was being betrayed, it was the poor victim. Nic spent the day making his plans. He made a list of all of Andreas’ favorite places, marking them on a map so he could try and devise the route Andreas might have taken on leaving Volenzkya. It was supposition, of course; Andreas could strike out for somewhere new, or deliberately choose a place Nic believed he disliked to throw him off the scent. But it was the best Nic could do with his knowledge of Andreas as his only clue.

120 Stevie Woods He packed his bags, including all the funds he had available, and made sure he had everything ready to leave on an instant’s notice. On the spur of the moment he also decided to pack all of Paolo’s writings. It was a way of keeping his lover close. He didn’t have a conveyance, so he would have to acquire one. §§§ As soon as he could, he ventured out. He wanted a young man who looked nothing like Paolo, but who would fit in the kind of circle that Andreas liked to move in. Nic didn’t know what the future might bring, but he had to be prepared. The kind of man he wanted wasn’t to be found at the docks, surrounded by taverns, but among the well-to-do of Volenzkya. He made his way to center of the city, near the precincts of the Temple. The streets were quieter than normal. Even though the recent murders had all taken place in the poorer parts of the city, people were being careful to be home before the curfew. Nic was frustrated that he didn’t even see a man walking alone; they were in pairs or groups. He walked the streets and into the park near the Duke’s palace. It was then he heard a pair of feet hurrying, almost running. Nic turned toward the sound and his nightwalker sight allowed him to see the man moving swiftly toward him. He was alone. He was about Nic’s age, maybe a little heavier of build. He would do nicely. Nic stepped out into the man’s path and the stranger almost ran into him. “Julio?” “No, my name is Nic.” “Forgive me. I thought you were my friend. I am late and…” he stopped, smiled deprecatingly. “Forgive me,” he repeated, and made to walk on by. “I will only forgive you if you introduce yourself,” Nic said huskily as he stepped into his path again, using the tone of voice that emphasized the enchantment he spun around his unsuspecting victim.

on RefLection 121 “My name is Dante,” the man replied, his voice dreamy. Nic was relieved that his spell seemed to be working perfectly. “Come, Dante,” Nic said, drawing the man into the shadows nearby. Nic had been pleased when he saw him close up. He was attractive, with brown eyes and dark hair, so unlike Paolo’s green eyes and fair coloring. Nic put his hands on Dante’s face, caressing him gently, whispering to him of belonging, of want and need and never being alone again, before kissing his full lips. Dante gasped softly as Nic’s tongue invaded his mouth, standing stock still as Nic’s lips moved across his cheek and then down his neck. The scent of Dante’s blood filled Nic’s senses, and he could feel the heat, the life flowing just under the skin at the pulse point. Allowing free rein to his baser instincts, Nic bit deeply into the tender flesh and drank, slaking his much neglected thirst. He pulled back before he took too much, healing the wound quickly. He looked up at Dante who was reeling a little, perhaps only still standing because Nic held him firmly. Nic kissed him again but, wary of the possibility of being interrupted, Nic decided that perhaps now wasn’t the time to take Dante completely and finalize the binding. It would be safer for that to take place later. Instead, he murmured softly in Dante’s ear, “Come, Dante, we have a journey to make.” Dante slowly turned his head to look at Nic, and with a gentle smile, he replied, “Of course, Nic.” “We need a carriage,” Nic said absently. He looked at Dante thoughtfully. “Do you have a carriage, Dante?” “No, but my father does.” “Show me, but no one must know we are there. You understand?” “It is a secret?” “Precisely. It is a secret.” Nic smiled. “You belong to me, and that is a secret, too.” Dante frowned. “I have never belonged to anyone before.

122 Stevie Woods Will I like it?” Dante sounded childlike. “Oh, yes, Dante. I will make it good for you; you will be happy. I swear.” “Good, then I will like belonging to you.” §§§ It had been relatively easy to take the conveyance, which proved perfect for his purposes. It was a closed carriage and had thick leather curtains at the windows. There was a stable boy in the yard when Dante let him inside, but Nic quickly dealt with him. He did the lad no serious harm, but it would be hours before he awoke. At Nic’s order, Dante hitched up the horses to the carriage while Nic stood watch to ensure they were not disturbed. From there they quickly continued to Nic’s house to collect his map and baggage, and then Nic drove for the city gates. Dante looked around curiously, but he didn’t ask where they were going. Nic quashed the guilt he felt as he drove the carriage into the night, taking Dante away from his family and the only life he had ever known. He needed the man, and he meant what he said about making life good for Dante. He refused to consider there was more to life being good than being protected and given sexual satisfaction. Nic drove the horses hard. He needed to reach a good inn in plenty of time before the sun came again. He wanted to bind Dante permanently to him, and for that they needed a private safe haven. He knew a large hostelry a few miles farther on that would suit nicely. Its location would also mean they could reach his next intended stop during the next night. When he was perfectly sure of Dante, which would be soon if his reaction to Nic’s enchantment was any indication, Nic would be able to trust his companion to drive during the day. Dante’s response to their coupling during Nic’s feeding when they were safely settled in a chamber in the inn during the coming daylight hours would be the final test. “My lord?”

on RefLection 123 Nic was shaken from his musings by Dante’s softly spoken query. “Why do you address me so?” Nic asked. He had never instructed Dante to give him such a title. “Because that is how I think of you.” Dante turned to stare at him. “I see.” He didn’t really, but thought perhaps it was providential that Dante saw him in such a light. “You wished to ask me something?” Nic added. “Yes, my lord. You said I belonged to you. You said that you would make me happy.” Dante seemed confused. “You do belong to me. Are you not happy?” Nic said carefully, concerned that perhaps his enchantment was not as successful as he had first thought. “I… I need. I feel… Please, my lord, I feel… empty. What is wrong with me?” Suddenly Nic understood. Because he needed to ensure everything was under control before the curfew started and had not been able to properly finish the binding, he had filled Dante’s mind with a longing that he had not fulfilled. “There is nothing wrong,” Nic said soothingly, “I will make you feel so much better soon. Trust me.” “I do,” Dante said. Nic’s first reaction was that his enchantment had worked perfectly; his second was that the sooner they got to the hostelry, the better. The next bend in the road brought their destination into view. Nic urged the horses on and soon they were pulling into the yard, where they were met by a sleepy stable hand. Nic tossed the reins to him while Dante grabbed the luggage and followed Nic inside, where he shouted for the innkeeper. It took a few minutes for the man to appear, and Nic immediately demanded the best room the inn had to offer. The innkeeper was soon mollified by Nic’s blatant generosity, and it wasn’t long before they were ensconced

124 Stevie Woods in a decent-sized room on the first floor. He also ordered some food for Dante and some hot water for washing. The innkeeper grumbled under his breath about the peculiarities of the nobility and their belittling of the ordinary folk, but, of course, Nic heard every word very clearly. He felt strange being considered nobility, both by the innkeeper and Dante. No matter how much he had changed over the decades, as far as Nic was concerned he was still the foundling boy born with nothing. Once inside the room, Dante seemed restless, and Nic pulled the man into his arms, soothing him. Dante closed his eyes, sighed, and leaned against Nic, who kissed Dante’s forehead before moving to kiss each eyelid and then his lips. Dante moaned and opened his mouth, allowing Nic to sweep his tongue over every surface and crevice in Dante’s mouth. It was the first time Nic had contemplated having sex with anyone since Paolo, and he had to force the memories away so he could do this. He needed Dante so he could be on an even playing field with Andreas, and the only way to achieve that was to permanently bind Dante to him. He needed to take Dante’s body to finish what he had already started. Of course, the easiest way to achieve that was to take him, sink his fangs deep into Dante’s neck and make him fly. Ensure the experience was so special that Dante would do anything to keep experiencing the sensations that only Nic could give him. It would mean little for Nic to thrust roughly into his body and feed, but that wouldn’t be enough for his objective. It was one thing to leave a man with an enjoyable memory of a fleeting encounter, quite another to subvert a man’s consciousness for your own purposes. That needed more than a quick fuck. It would mean that Nic would have to give something of himself. To reach deep enough into Dante to create a special bond with the man, and that was something that he wasn’t ready for. But, ready or not, he had to do it if he wanted help to find Andreas, and that was something that had to outweigh his own sensibilities. Closing his eyes for a second, Nic opened them again,

on RefLection 125 determined. Removing Dante’s clothing, he urged the man to lie on the bed. Dante watched him with wide eyes as Nic quickly shed his own clothes and lay down beside Dante. His hands skimmed the man’s body, fingers plucking Dante’s nipples, lips creating fire every place they touched, pouring as much of himself as he could into the spell he wove around them. Dante squirmed and moaned, clutching at Nic, trying to get as close as he could. When Dante was ready, Nic thrust into him, making him cry out in ecstasy when Nic finally climaxed deep inside. At the same moment, he bit into Dante’s neck and drew the man’s life’s blood into his mouth. It was clear from Dante’s reaction that he had thoroughly enjoyed the experience; he was still gasping when he opened his eyes and smiled dreamily at Nic. In contrast, Nic experienced little satisfaction from the joining; what he mostly felt was guilt. He had needed to feed, and though the blood had sated his senses, giving so much of himself had only exhausted him.

chAPteR fifteen Now that Dante was completely under his thrall, Nic could trust the man to drive the carriage during the day and protect him while he rested inside. They traveled from village to village, town to town, sometimes simply inn to inn. Nic planned the route and Dante followed his instructions without question. Nic knew how to find a good place to stop for the night before the sun set. As they traveled from place to place, always searching, Nic gave Dante what time he could, knowing the man craved his company. It never seemed to be enough for Dante, but Nic wouldn’t allow himself to get closer; he needed to keep a distance between them. For the first week or two, as a way to ease Dante into his new role, Nic sat with him while Dante ate his meals. Sometimes Nic would indulge, though he did not really need to eat food. Other times he would only drink water. They would talk, Nic regaling Dante with stories of his life, keeping nothing back, believing Dante needed to know as much about him—and Andreas—as possible. Still, Nic would not allow himself to get too close to Dante. It wasn’t that he thought he’d fall for Dante; he knew he would never care for anyone the way he had for Paolo. He was afraid he would develop a sense of responsibility for Dante, and that could be dangerous. It was a difficult situation because, of course, Nic wanted Dante to feel a responsibility toward him. Leaving Dante to rest, Nic went out each night, hunting always for information and occasionally for food. He made sure he never took too much blood from Dante, needing the man to be strong. He found that food was always easy to find, helpful information rarely was. The problem was Nic had so many options. He and Andreas had traveled to many places during their seventy years away from Volenzkya. Though Nic used his knowledge of Andreas and his likes and dislikes to choose his direction, there were just too many places to try. Sporadically it was clear that Andreas had been in

128 Stevie Woods this location or that, but on those occasions they were too late. More often than not, however, it was just the wrong place. As time passed, Nic despaired that he would ever find Andreas. But he wouldn’t give up, not ever. It was his only purpose in going on. He felt like that as they traveled constantly, Dante driving by day and Nic searching by night. Searching, but never finding. It was soul destroying, or it would have been if he still had a soul. Nic smiled softly at the thought—that had been a discussion he and Paolo had had many times. He and Dante had been staying in their present location for four days now, the longest they had ever stayed anywhere since they had left Volenzkya over nine months previously. Nic would probably have already moved on if it were not for the fact that Dante was unwell. Nic didn’t think it was anything serious, but he doubted that the constant traveling and the lack of any real rest had helped. Their second night in the hostelry, it had been necessary for Nic to ask the innkeeper to bring in a healer, and in a remarkably short time there was a rap on their door. Nic had opened it to find a tall, thin man of indeterminate age standing there with the innkeeper. “My Lord Volenz,” the innkeeper said obsequiously. He had taken his lead from Dante in referring to Nic by title, and Nic hadn’t corrected the error. “This is the healer, Pondor.” Pondor swept past Nic and made straight for the bed, dropping the bag from his shoulder onto the small dresser near the bed. He pulled the covers back and began a swift and thorough examination of Dante. It wasn’t long before he turned to Nic, giving him a long, steady look before he stated, “He has Reigor fever.” Pondor opened the bag and began to pull packets and bottles out. “There has been an increase in cases recently,” the healer added. “He will be all right?” Nic asked, somewhat surprised by just how concerned he felt for his companion. “When he has taken my potion three times and has rested for

on RefLection 129 at least three days,” the healer said firmly. The man placed three different kinds of leaves in a small bowl and added drops of liquid from two bottles before thoroughly mixing the concoction, then he added some water and stirred it again. Pondor tried to rouse Dante, but he was delirious. Nic helped him to support Dante so he could pour the liquid down his throat. They laid him down again and Nic replaced the covers, tucking them around him. “You will watch him, my lord?” the healer asked. “Yes. Is there anything I must do other than watch?” “The medicine will heat his blood and expel the poisons, which for a short time will make him more feverish. His body should be bathed to cool his skin and remove the exudates. I will return at the same time tomorrow to dose him again.” “Thank you.” For the next three days and nights, Nic had not left their room, keeping an eye on Dante, seeing to the man’s needs and fighting his own need to sleep during the daylight hours. He made sure the solitary window was well and truly covered. He had kept himself well fed during their travels because he never knew when he might need all his strength if he were to finally find Andreas. His caution proved beneficial now, and he spent the long hours sitting by his companion’s side, thinking and remembering. As he allowed his mind to wander, the startling clarity of his memories proved something of a shock to Nic. He could remember with remarkable detail every day of the time he’d spent with Paolo; every smile, every touch, every kiss, every time they had made love. He sat there with tears in his eyes, allowing himself to remember Paolo in a way he hadn’t since the night Paolo had died. He saw now that he had let his anger and need for revenge take over his life and make a mockery of the very thing that had given his existence meaning. He had allowed Andreas to take Paolo from him twice. In that instant, Nic vowed he would never again lose what Paolo meant to him. He wouldn’t make Andreas more important

130 Stevie Woods than Paolo. He still wanted to make Andreas pay; that need would never fade. But Nic would never again allow him to usurp Paolo’s place in his life. The first change he would make would be to abandon this breakneck pace. It was pointless to be always rushing to arrive nowhere. He would make sure that Dante was well and truly healed, and then… and then, what? It occurred to Nic that, while he would never wish Dante bad fortune, he couldn’t be sorry that he’d been taken ill, forcing their prolonged stay. It had given Nic a much needed opportunity to look at his life, to realize what he was doing—and to change it. Now he had to make some decisions. Dante moaned just then, calling out for his master, and Nic put his thoughts on hold for a time while he looked after his companion, washing his body and drying him carefully, putting a fresh warm blanket over him. Dante’s eyes were open, watching him. “My lord,” murmured Dante, his eyes warm. “Dante,” Nic said softy. “You’re going to be fine. The healer is pleased with your progress. He’ll be here shortly to give you the final dose. Just rest, it helps with the healing.” “Thank you for taking care of me.”

“It’s no more than you deserve,” Nic said with a shrug.

Dante managed a slight smile before sleep took him again.

Settling once again in the chair by the bed, Nic kept his eyes

on Dante and let his mind slip back to his present situation. He might have decided to stop the destructive, pointless chase over the countryside, but what was he to do instead? Fifteen minutes later he sat up straight in the chair, a slight smile gracing his lips. He knew exactly what he was going to do. At that moment there was a knock at the door, and Nic knew it would be Pondor. He decided that as soon as Dante was fully well again, he would put his plan into action. While the healer checked out Dante, Nic moved to the

on RefLection 131 window, pulling back the drapes to stare out over the skyline of the town. The city of Segyl was small compared to Volenzkya, but was large enough to boast a good-sized library. Nic would take a house in the city, stay for at least some months, perhaps longer. However long it took for him to carry out some research. Strangely, Nic felt more at peace than he had in months. He raised his eyes to the heavens and smiled. “You are feeling good, Lord Volenz?” asked Pondor, from behind Nic’s left shoulder. Nic turned, annoyed that he had let his guard down and allowed the healer to approach so closely. “I am pleased that my attendant is improving. He was more lucid today. You said he would need three treatments. How much longer will it be until he’s better?” “Two or three days, no more. He will sleep less each day as his energy levels return to normal. He needs plenty of liquids and only plain food until he regains his strength.” “That is good. You will attend him again?” “I will return in two days. That should be sufficient. May I ask, my lord, when you intend to continue your journey?” “I don’t. I have had a change of plans. I intend to stay in the city for several months. Why do you ask?” “Occasionally this illness can recur. I was merely concerned for your attendant should he become ill again.” Pondor bowed slightly. Nic had moved back to the bed to glance down at Dante, who was awake, watching him. His eyes were brighter than they had been for days. Nic smiled at him, brushing the hair from his forehead. Turning back to Pondor, he slipped a hand into the purse at his waist and tossed a gold coin to the healer. “You are most generous, my lord. I will return in two days as promised.”

chAPteR sixteen Nic eased back comfortably into his seat, sipping his wine. He had purposely chosen a dark corner, where he could see everything but keep his anonymity. The tavern was one of the larger ones in Lemour, situated so that it was frequented by both the common folk and those men of the ‘polite’ society who enjoyed rubbing shoulders with others who, in truth, had more freedom than they did. Nic had not been living in the city for long, just long enough to learn that this was one of the best locales to get a sense of the place and a feel for its people. Letting his nightwalker senses free so he could see and hear more than any human ever could, Nic let his thoughts wander, picking out interesting bits and pieces as he might. At a table not too far from Nic, a couple of middle-aged men were talking about enjoying a ride. A third man joined them and, laughing, asked if they were talking about horses or women. His companions laughed, too, and soon a lively discussion was under way, in which others at nearby tables began to join as they debated which was the better ride. Opinion varied widely. Nic almost laughed aloud, too. Nothing had changed. Sitting in a tavern now or a hundred years ago, it was always about horses or women; taste for other men was rarely mentioned, but the subtext was there just the same. Nic acknowledged that the men were dressed differently and hair styles had changed considerably, but what was inside the clothing and under the now-shorter hair had not changed. Not in the last hundred years, and not in the one hundred and eighty years since he had been changed into a nightwalker. His smile died as he acknowledged it was almost a hundred years to the day since Paolo had died. He felt sad that the loss didn’t hurt as much as it used to. It was almost like a dull ache now, and that felt so wrong to him, as if he’d abandoned his lover. Logically, he knew time had eased the hurt, but he felt that

134 Stevie Woods time was betraying Paolo. Time, the one immutable power even the undead couldn’t fight. He couldn’t stop such thoughts turning to Andreas. How much time had Andreas seen pass? About some things his sire had been garrulous, but about his own past before he had been turned, and even about when and how he’d become a nightwalker, Andreas had been silent. That elusive information had become more and more important to Nic as the years passed. Nic smiled to himself, thinking about the years he had spent researching and studying. Even after all this time, it still surprised Nic just how enthralling he had found it to study the history of his people and their religious beliefs. When he’d had the compulsion to bring all of Paolo’s books and writings with him, he had looked on it as being the only real link he had left to his lover. Yet he had never wanted to get involved when Paolo was so wrapped up in the research, a choice he had deeply regretted since, thinking of the time together they could have spent and that he had wasted. He’d given no credence to Paolo’s need for his research, not believing his lover could possibly find anything of interest in the ancient religious texts. He knew it was because he had never been impressed with religion, the Temple, and all the rules and regulations that surrounded worship of the Divinity. The omnipotent being who claimed to protect all their people, but whose Temple had no time for abandoned children. That had always struck Nic as contradictory in the extreme; no wonder he despised the priests and acolytes, who lived a life of plenty when children like him had been a crust away from starvation. Now he hated the division religion had wrought between his desires and Paolo’s beliefs. If it hadn’t been for Paolo’s stubborn insistence on clinging onto his loyalty to… Damn! Enough of going over and over this. Paolo’s belief had been a vital part of his character, and Nic had loved him for who he was. He had wondered what Paolo would think of how he used the information. Paolo’s heart had been set on finding a way for Nic to escape what Paolo saw as the purgatory of being a

on RefLection 135 nightwalker, but all Nic had wanted was to find every way there was to kill one, no matter how obscure or far-fetched. He was well aware, of course, of the commonly known methods to destroy a nightwalker: bright sunlight, fire, and decapitation. But there had always been stories, legends from the old times that hinted at other, more magical methods, and Nic wanted to be armed with all the knowledge there was; any method to kill Andreas once and for all. He was not surprised to discover that the more he uncovered, the more he confirmed just how much Andreas had kept hidden from him. Unknowingly, he had trusted Andreas far too much. But that had been a long time ago now, and eventually the research had changed; he had changed. He could pinpoint exactly when it had happened… For almost ten years, Dante had traveled with him. The mad dash of the first few months had shifted into months spent in one city after another as they crossed and re-crossed one continent after another. They searched every library, archive, museum, even antiquarian book shops, for every scrap of information they could gather about the legends and beliefs surrounding nightwalkers. Dante became a valuable assistant in his quest. At first Nic refused to allow himself to become too close to his companion, purposely thinking of him as little more than a servant. Still, the closer they worked on his research, the more difficult it became to keep any kind of distance. He understood how difficult when they were staying in the small town of Coeur, a little under ten years after Nic had bewitched Dante. They had not been there long when Nic discovered there was another nightwalker, known as Levin, already living in the town. Almost immediately he had challenged Nic, demanding to know what Nic was doing in ‘his’ domain. Knowing just how territorial some of them were, Nic quickly assured the other nightwalker that he was merely passing through, that he would only be spending a matter of weeks at the most in the small town. Nic believed that Levin had accepted his explanation. It wasn’t that he was afraid of Levin; Nic had confidence that, with all his

136 Stevie Woods recently acquired knowledge, he could dispatch the nightwalker fairly efficiently. However, knowing he could do so and desiring the act were two very different things. The following day, while he had rested behind closed, heavy drapes, Dante had gone out to investigate the town’s main library, much as he had done in every other town they had visited. The hours passed. Nic slept, and when he awoke, expecting to find Dante waiting for him with yet another armful of books, he found his attendant had not yet returned. A sense of unease hit him immediately, and he suddenly questioned if he had dismissed Levin far too easily. Knowing where Levin made his base on the outskirts of town, Nic made his way there, swiftly but carefully. One thing he had learned in his pursuit of Andreas was how to move covertly. He spotted the guards easily, sensing immediately that they were not other nightwalkers owing fealty to Levin, but were simply men enchanted to serve him. Human guards were no detriment at all to Nic. He concluded that Levin had rarely faced a challenge; Nic assumed that Levin thought he would be easily vanquished. Is he in for a surprise? Nic thought. Unfortunately, Nic was also in for a shock. He incapacitated the two humans guarding the entrance and stalked inside, ready for anything—except to find Dante lying in the center of a large, dimly illuminated hall. His blood was still warm as the last of it flowed sluggishly out of his ruined neck onto the cold stones. Nic howled in furious agony at the sight. “It was between us,” he bellowed into the darkness, sensing that Levin was nearby, in the shadows. Keeping his eyes continually scanning, while also listening carefully, Nic pulled the long knife from his belt, hefting it in his right hand. With his left he took the thin, silver rod from the other side of his waist. Nic controlled his breathing, keeping a tight hold on his emotions. “It still is,” the answer came in Levin’s gruff voice. “That was just the calling card.” “Show yourself, then; face me!” It wasn’t difficult to sound as

on RefLection 137 if he had lost control; his emotions were still heightened, though reined in more tightly than he let Levin believe. He hadn’t come here with the intention of killing; anything but, in fact. However, his only thought now was the destruction of this evil being who would slaughter an innocent young man for no other purpose than to throw down a challenge. An act Levin would come to regret—for a very short time indeed. Levin laughed. “In a hurry to end your existence?” “No, yours,” Nic snarled, moving slowly toward where he thought Levin was concealed, in the opposite direction from where his voice seemed to be emanating. All of a sudden a sheet of flame shot out toward him. Only Nic’s enhanced abilities enabled him to twist aside. He felt the heat of the flames on his back as they whooshed by him. He heard the cackle of laughter change to a snarl when Levin realized that he had failed to burn his opponent to a crisp. Fluidly converting the twisting motion he’d employed to avoid the flames, Nic made a half turn so he finished with his left side facing the hiding place of his enemy. He had trained long and hard to make himself accurate using his left hand to throw the silver spike, and he didn’t hesitate, though he still could not see Levin properly. He let his senses guide him, and when he heard a sharp intake of breath, closely followed by the heavy thud of something hitting the floor, he knew he had succeeded. Nic closed the distance to Levin without haste. As he moved into the gloom around the edge of the large, dimly lit area, he saw his aim had been even better than he could have hoped. The other nightwalker stood rigid, almost statue-like, the only movement being the flicker of his eyes. A contraption Nic didn’t recognize lay at his feet, presumably the instrument with which he had spouted fire. “That man you killed, whose throat your tore out as if he were nothing more than a wild beast; that man had served me loyally for a decade.” Nic stood eye to eye with the nightwalker now, allowing his rage to show, yet his voice dripped ice as he continued. “You’re going to pay for that, you know.”

138 Stevie Woods Nic stepped back, ensuring that Levin could see the body of Dante. “The commonly held belief that a wooden stake will kill a nightwalker is false. I’m sure you know that. It was Dante, however, who discovered that a solid silver stake, or more accurately a thin silver spike, can paralyze a nightwalker. How well, or for how long, depends on where the spike strikes.” Nic stared pointedly at Levin’s chest, where the end of the silver spike could be seen protruding from his heart, surrounded by slowly oozing, thick blood. There was no way Levin could move unless the spike was removed. “You really ought to have believed me, you know,” Nic went on conversationally, “I told the truth. I was never any threat to you; in a few months, at most, I would have moved on. Your destruction wasn’t necessary—not until you killed Dante.” Levin’s eyes widened; he struggled to speak, but it was impossible. His eyes, the only part of him that could shift fractionally, tracked Nic’s movements as he lifted his right arm. The dim illumination behind Nic glinted off the burnished metal of his long knife as he twirled it in his hand, ensuring that Levin saw it clearly. Slowly, he raised it over his head and swept it down with impressive strength and speed. Levin’s head flew from his shoulders, tumbling over and over on the stone floor, coming to rest not very far from the body of poor Dante. Justice, thought Nic, as he wiped the blade on the fallen body of his vanquished foe. Nic had killed his first nightwalker, and he had done so in retaliation for the death of his attendant. No, he admitted; his friend. The emotion he had felt when he saw Dante’s dead body made him admit what he had always refused to acknowledge when the man was alive. He had liked him, he had appreciated his company. Dante had been a friend, and Nic ought to have let Dante know how he’d really felt. He was sorry that he hadn’t done so. When he accepted that, he found his rage melting away, to be replaced by guilt. Not for killing Levin; the nightwalker had deserved that. For being able to take retribution for Dante when he hadn’t been able to do that for Paolo. Paolo, whom he had

on RefLection 139 loved more than anyone else he had ever known. Gradually, he was able to admit that he could never have defeated Andreas as easily—if at all—as he had Levin. He had learned a lot during the previous ten years, but it couldn’t compare to the knowledge Andreas had gathered over however many centuries he’d survived as a nightwalker. That was the moment Nic wondered if his efforts would ever bring him the peace he desired. How many years—how many centuries—was he facing when every minute would be filled with looking for ways to kill, to destroy? He knew with certainty that it was not what Paolo would wish for him. With that certainty came the realization that he knew what Paolo would desire for him. Had not his lover spent every minute he could trying to find a way for Nic to overcome his curse? Praying that Nic could find salvation and again live—and die—as a human? Paolo had never said it, but Nic knew it had been his hope that they could be together again in the Beyond. It was a dream that Nic didn’t really believe he could ever achieve, but he did believe it was a more noble cause than the search for destruction. It was hard to believe now that he’d ever been in such a positive frame of mind. After a hundred years of fruitless searching, Nic had come to accept that the Talisman of Leliel, if it had ever really existed, was long gone. He had tracked down numerous clues but never found anything concrete. Either the trail went ice cold, or he only found more obscure hints. He had wondered for quite some time now if the Angel Leliel had only been a construct of some ancient priest, but he couldn’t understand the reason for such a legend. It made no sense to him that the Temple would perpetrate an idea that there was a way for a nightwalker to regain any form of grace. He knew only too well that the vast majority of his kind were little more than evil murderers. There were few indeed who limited themselves to feeding without killing whenever possible, and he had never yet come across another nightwalker who could claim never to have killed his prey. Even before Andreas had

140 Stevie Woods turned against him, his sire had never denied he killed when necessary. He only advised that they not kill, as a way to protect themselves from the authorities. Nic had thought long and hard about it, and he was fairly certain that Andreas had curbed his feeding in deference to Nic’s sensibilities. Perhaps that only exacerbated those dark times that Andreas suffered. Abruptly he stood up, threw a few coins on the table, and stalked out of the tavern. What the hell was he doing? It was all so pointless. He was just marking time; there was no reason for any of this. He stopped in the middle of the path, silently admitting to himself just how sterile his existence was. He had no hopes, no dreams, no goals. What was it all for? He answered his own question: Nothing. It was all for nothing. He lifted his head and looked at the sky above, dark and foreboding with storm clouds gathering. He smiled grimly. Well, if he wanted confirmation… He made the decision on that dark street and felt the pressure melt away. He knew what he had to do, what he needed to do. Go back to where it all began so very long ago, before he became the worldly Nic Volenz; to when he was the poor foundling Nicolo d’Volenzkya, named for the street and city he had been abandoned in. It would be spring now in Volenzkya, and he needed to see home, to feel its familiarity, its warmth, one last time before he bid a final farewell to his existence. It was probably maudlin, but he didn’t care. Nic had been struggling with himself over this for months, years even; another few weeks or so wouldn’t matter. Swiftly changing direction, he headed for the docks. It didn’t matter that it was the middle of the night, there was always a watch on the ships, and he could find out which vessel was heading for Volenzkya. It was only a four-day journey by sea to the capital city and he could comfortably stay in his cabin for that short period of time without arousing suspicion, claiming to be a poor sailor. He was back at the house where he was staying an hour before dawn, having arranged passage on a ship leaving the next

on RefLection 141 evening. Nic had taken the precaution of feeding on his way back from the docks; he didn’t wish to risk needing to feed on board ship. He hadn’t had an attendant for the last few months, and he soon packed his own bag. Traveling light was a habit of his now. Standing by the window, he watched the sun slowly lift above the horizon and knew he had made the right choice. He would go home, say goodbye to the places that meant something to him, and then let everything go. He was almost surprised to find that he wasn’t afraid; he felt at peace for the first time in one hundred and eighty years.

chAPteR seventeen His thoughts had brought him full circle. Here he was, back on the docks where he had started out as a terrified young boy of thirteen, whose life had changed for the better in an instant. All at once he had to get away from there. He had come home to say goodbye, and it was time he stopped remembering his past, returned to his present, and got on with it. Turning his back on his long lost childhood, Nic struck out for the city center. Nic found his feet had automatically taken him to the house he had shared with Paolo all those years ago. There were lights on in the front of the house, and for a second Nic pondered the idea of new people living in their home. Dismissing the intrusive thought, Nic strolled around to the back where their bedroom had been. Standing in the garden looking up at the balcony, Nic remembered that all too short a time he’d had with his beloved Paolo. Just a blink of an eye for a nightwalker. With a stab to his heart, he remembered Andreas had said those self-same words to him once. Not so long before Andreas killed… He turned away, eyes closed against the pain, and he just walked. Deciding this maudlin attitude wouldn’t do, Nic got a grip on himself. He needed a base from which to make plans. He almost laughed aloud; make plans to end his existence, how cold was that? On second thought, though, it was fitting. After all, he couldn’t remember the last time he’d felt warm. He picked the first decent inn he saw, somewhere to hide during the day while he waited for the night, when he would wander through his boyhood home and say a last farewell to his memories. He dropped his bag off in the reasonably adequate room they gave him, and in less than fifteen minutes he was outside again. There was one place he wanted to see this night. He would probably only need another night, maybe two, to see the places he wished and then—then what? He’d decided before he even arrived in Volenzkya how he was going to finish it, the

144 Stevie Woods simplest way. Wait for the sun to rise and find place a greet it, that was all. But where? Where else, but where it all began? Not Santa Nicholas Street; he did not consider that his beginning in life. No, his life really began that day his old friend, Phillipe, had found him on the docks. Where better to greet the new day than by the sea he had once loved so well? But not yet, not yet. His footsteps took him unerringly to the park opposite the Bolonska palace. He stood staring at the large building, which appeared to be deserted. There was no sign of any lights on anywhere, and the grounds were unkempt. His anger was still there under the surface, but it didn’t have the power to hurt him anymore. Nothing did, it seemed; he felt only numb. Nic wondered if Andreas had ever returned. He belatedly considered whether Andreas was even still alive, it had been so long since he’d even heard any mention of him. He also speculated on whether the Benetti family looked after the old estate on his behalf, but surely the state of the place answered that question. And did that not perhaps answer the first one, too? Nic shivered and abruptly wanted to be anywhere but where he was, so he marched away. As he walked, he suddenly thought of one place he would like to see again: the first place he had ever seen Paolo, the Duke’s palace. A different Duke now, of course, and possibly a very different palace. It was quite usual for each new ruler to put his own stamp on the position, and one of the easiest ways was to change what his predecessor had achieved. Some changed laws, some changed buildings. Looking at the edifice now, Nic decided that one of them must have changed the gardens, for this one looked nothing at all like the one he had wandered through with Paolo. Nothing was the same, and it suddenly struck Nic that it shouldn’t be. The life he had lived, the joy he had shared was long gone, and what he was looking for, he could never find. Wasn’t that why he had come here? To say goodbye to what he had already lost? Nic took a deep breath and turned away. He didn’t

on RefLection 145 want to think about that now. Instead, he wanted to remember a different time—his life before Andreas. There were still a good few hours before the night would surrender to the day, and Nic walked slowly to the docks, remembering early days when he had still been human. He ground to a halt as he passed the opening of a narrow alley, his stomach full of butterflies as the memory returned. Two men, half-naked and grunting with pleasure as one plowed into the other against the wall behind the inn. The first time young Nicolo had ever seen sex between two men; a revelation for a boy who had never known the truth about himself. Divinity, it seemed many lifetimes ago now. His thoughts were dragged back to the here and now when the door of the inn crashed open amidst much raucous laughter. A group of young men sauntered out, looking quite at home, although their smart attire clearly marked them as being out of place in this part of the city. Well-to-do young men looking for the freedom their own lives did not provide, Nic surmised. No, nothing had changed. Out of habit, Nic let his gaze travel over the men. The idea of looking for prey hadn’t really entered his mind, but at the sight of these lusty examples of manhood he had second thoughts. He’d always preferred to take someone he liked the look of when he needed to feed, though in recent times he’d never allowed himself to become ‘interested’ when he fed. Idly he followed the men, casually sizing up first one, then the other. Two men dropped back a little. One of them seemed to be arguing with the other, and, surprised that he could still be curious, Nic listened in. “No, Pietro, I’m not interested. How many times must I tell you? Look, I’m going to go…” Nic found he was very taken with this young man. He liked the way he moved with an uncommon grace. “Damn it all, Maxim, why must you be so stubborn?” Pietro put out an arm and held Maxim back as the others moved farther ahead. Speaking very quietly to him, but not so quietly that Nic couldn’t hear, he went on, “I know how you really feel, you know

146 Stevie Woods that.” Pietro’s hand slid along Maxim’s arm in a gesture that bordered on the intimate. “But your family is not going to wait forever. If you don’t make an effort, you might find yourself one half of an arranged marriage. At least you like my sister, and you know she likes you.” Unusual name, Nic thought, but I like it. Maxim was quite tall, slim, but by no means thin. His hair was brown, a rich, thick brown that Nic wanted to run his fingers through. Nic was shocked by the way his thoughts were going. “She likes me enough to want more than I can offer her, and being married to her would put me too close to you,” Maxim snapped. “I couldn’t do that to her, and I don’t know how you could. She deserves better than that from both of us. Look, please just leave things well alone. I’m going. Some fresh air will clear my head.” Maxim walked briskly away, ignoring his friend’s attempts to call him back. Very convenient, Nic thought as he quietly followed Maxim. §§§ Nic followed the unsuspecting man slowly, not too closely. Maxim’s eyes had seemed dark in the dim illumination of the street, but Nic was pretty sure they were in fact blue. He wanted to see them close up, just to be sure. Maxim slowed when he reached the next corner, and Nic expected him to turn one way or the other, but instead he stopped and stood perfectly still. Nic stopped too, watching, and he wasn’t particularly surprised when Maxim turned around. He stared at Nic, who calmly met his gaze. “Are you… following me?” Maxim asked in a low voice. Nic cocked his head to one side, regarding Maxim, pleased to see that his eyes were indeed blue, but not that pale insipid blue that seemed popular with the ladies. No, these were the dark blue of a stormy sea. Nic smiled. “Well, yes, actually I was.” “Oh,” Maxim sounded surprised that Nic admitted it. “I could have lied, but that wouldn’t have been good for our

on RefLection 147 future… relations, would it?” “Relations?” Maxim was definitely nervous now. “Oh, please, don’t be concerned,” Nic said, moving a little closer. “I mean no harm, I assure you.” Nic might not have planned this, but now he definitely wanted this man. He wanted to taste Maxim, to feel that warm flesh surrounding him. Maxim squared his shoulders, as if determined not to show any fear. Nic liked that. “What is it you want?” Maxim asked. “Why, you, of course. Shall we go somewhere quieter and I will explain?” Nic hadn’t yet used any artifice on Maxim, but he knew the time had arrived. He was, therefore, surprised when his intended victim smiled at him and said, “Step under the lamp so I can see you better.” Nic complied, stepping a few paces to the left so he was directly under the light, smiling in return. He couldn’t remember the last time he had taken prey without using his powers. It would be heady indeed. “Hmm, very attractive. I am rather surprised at how… blatant you are, sir. Taking something of a risk, though? I might have been greatly offended and responded with violence, or maybe called the authorities?” “You might, but I am well able to take care of myself. However, I was not mistaken, was I?” Nic had moved nearer, step by step, as he had been speaking. Maxim did not move, awaiting his approach. Yes, this one was special. “No,” Maxim said softly when they were but a foot apart. “I feel in need of some company this evening, and you do intrigue me, sir.” Offering his hand in welcome, he said formally, “Maxim Ascenti, at your service.” Nic laughed. “Oh, I do hope so!” Nic replied, and Maxim blushed. “Nic Volenz. Do you have somewhere nearby we can go? I only arrived in the city this evening, and my accommodations are a long way from here.”

148 Stevie Woods Maxim smiled, and each time his face lit up Nic was more entranced by the man. “Have you returned home, sir? Your name is…” “Something of a giveaway, yes,” Nic admitted. “My family was named for the city when it was the custom to so name foundling children. I changed it to a more modern form many years ago.” Maxim laughed. “Can’t have been that long, Nic.” “I am older than I look. You didn’t answer my question.” “Question?” “Somewhere we can go?” “Yes, I have rooms not too far from here, but do we have to rush things that much? I… I don’t usually.” Maxim looked at Nic, shrugged and added, “I don’t suppose you believe me after the way I acted, but I don’t usually just go off with…” He stopped, looking embarrassed. Nic slowed, taking hold of Maxim’s arm. “You are troubled. You need someone to talk to.” “How did you…?” Abruptly, he looked affronted. “You were in the inn, you followed me.” “I wasn’t in the inn, but I did see you and your friends come out, and—well, I overheard part of what you said.” “And you heard enough to judge I could be amenable to your approach.” Maxim said quietly. He was clearly disappointed in Nic’s confession, and Nic didn’t want this man to be disappointed in him. He couldn’t explain his reaction. He didn’t even know why he had approached Maxim in the first place. Everything had come unraveled from the first moment the door to the inn had banged open. “I can’t deny that I was intrigued by what I overheard, but the truth is there is something about you that I…” “Oh, please, don’t tell me you have anything but a sexual interest in me. You saw me five minutes before you approached me!”

on RefLection 149 Nic sighed. How to convince him? And why did it matter so much that he did? Nic felt more confused by the minute. Only a short time ago, all he’d had on his mind was his long-ago past and his very short future. Now forefront in his mind was his desire to help Maxim. With a chill, he remembered the only other time he had become this wrapped up in someone so quickly. He refused to follow that train of thought and quickly said, “I don’t know how to convince you other than to say I am telling the truth. Look, if you want to just talk, we can do that.” Maxim stared at him. “You’re serious? You would do that for me? A complete stranger?” “I think that is what you need, and I have done more intimate things with complete strangers.” Nic smiled. “Your friend, and I think perhaps he is more than that?” Maxim didn’t answer, but he didn’t need to. “Well, he wasn’t exactly helping, was he? I know that sometimes just talking is all that is needed. Surprisingly, perhaps a stranger can be the best choice. Let me help.” Maxim regarded him for a long minute before finally saying, “Very well, and thank you.”

chAPteR eighteen A few minutes later, Maxim showed Nic into his home, a set of three rooms on the top floor of a well-appointed house. Maxim couldn’t help but feel nervous, yet in a way he couldn’t explain, least of all to himself, he felt a connection with Nic. He was still a little shocked at the way he had accepted the man’s approach instead of bolting in the opposite direction. He had never been the kind of man who was that open about his taste in partners. He had spent years pleasuring himself with his own right hand, until Pietro had let it be known that he was interested. He’d never been sure how Pietro knew of his proclivities; they had been friends for years, but Maxim was positive he had never said or done anything that would have signaled his desires. In the end it hadn’t mattered, it has just been wonderful to be able to share his desires with another man. “It’s all right,” Nic said quietly behind him. Maxim turned, expecting to find Nic close, but in fact he was sitting in a chair on the other side of the room. He relaxed and smiled at his guest as he, too, sat down. They talked for hours, Maxim explaining the situation with his family and his own feelings. He was well aware that his situation was nothing special and nothing out of the ordinary for a man who had no wish to marry a woman, and a family who couldn’t possibly understand, but still, he was surprised to find himself telling things to this stranger that he hadn’t even told his closest friend. Though, Maxim now had cause to wonder just what kind of man Pietro really was. The man apparently found nothing distasteful in suggesting that Maxim marry his sister, just so he and Maxim could conveniently carry on an illicit relationship. Maxim had no feelings for Pietro other than friendship, and if he hadn’t been sure before, he now recognized that to Pietro he was no more than an expedience. It soon became clear that Nic had seen that, too, when he

152 Stevie Woods said, “There is much more waiting for you than inopportune men who only wish to use your body for their convenience.” “So you weren’t out to simply use my body?” he asked with a raised eyebrow. “Ah, I can’t deny you intrigued me, and I found—find you very attractive. My first thoughts were of a carnal nature, but I trust I have shown you that I am more than my desires.” “Yes, we have talked most of the night away; it is almost dawn.” “I know, and I must be leaving now. I would like to see you again, tomorrow evening?” “Must you go?” Maxim smiled shyly, a faint flush on his cheeks. He found Nic very appealing; he didn’t think he had ever felt so blatantly, suddenly, attracted to another man before. Nic was a very handsome man, very self-assured, but it was more than that. They had mostly talked about his problems, and he really wanted to know more about Nic. He sensed there was a lot below that quiet, studied exterior. Rising, Nic replied, “I’m afraid so, but please say you will let me see you again tomorrow. We can meet earlier and have much… more time.” Nic moved closer as he spoke, and the last two words were breathed against Maxim’s lips. His stomach clenched at the sensation that swept over him. He leaned forward without even realizing he was doing so, and his lips met Nic’s. The kiss may have begun gently, with just a press of two mouths, but suddenly Nic had pulled him close and Maxim gasped. Nic’s tongue thrust inside and Maxim sagged against him. The taste, the texture, the demand of his tongue was at once exhilarating and overwhelming. Abruptly, Nic released him, and Maxim staggered. “Tomorrow. I’ll be here tomorrow after dusk.” “Yes, yes,” Maxim said as, with a last glance at him, Nic grabbed his coat and left. Maxim stared at the open door. and if it weren’t for the tingling in his lips, he would have wondered if he had imagined the whole thing.

on RefLection 153 §§§ Nic moved at high speed to get back to his lodgings; dawn was swiftly approaching. He had, for one second, considered using his powers on Maxim, taking him and feeding, but he didn’t want it to be like that. When he had followed Maxim, he had only one outcome in mind, but it hadn’t taken long for that want to be outweighed by something more important—the need to connect, really connect with another human being. Well, no, not another human being; he hadn’t been human for a long time, but for those few short hours, just talking with Maxim, he had felt real again. When he got back inside his room and pulled the heavy drapes across the windows, Nic found it hard to accept the thoughts going through his mind. He couldn’t be feeling what he thought he was. It was impossible. It couldn’t be happening, not now, not when he had finally accepted his destiny. He collapsed onto the bed, tired but fighting the need to rest. The questions buzzing around in his head were too important, too confusing, but he was afraid to face them. §§§ Maxim pulled back the drapes and looked out as dusk dropped over the rooftops. Three nights in a row he had welcomed Nic into his home, into his bed, but really he knew very little about the man. Would Nic come again? Divinity, Maxim wanted him to, but he hated the feeling that he was being used. Nic swore to him that it wasn’t like that, and yet he left without explanation. Their nights together had been magical, Nic was a masterful lover. Maxim was honest enough to admit his experience was limited, but he didn’t think anyone could make him feel as alive as Nic did. The sex he had shared with Pietro was rushed and clumsy in comparison. His body may have been satisfied, but not his soul. Nic made his body sing, his heart pound, and his soul fly. His mood switched from nervous waiting to anger at himself, at Nic for giving him something special that he dreaded losing.

154 Stevie Woods He had never felt so attracted, so drawn to another human being. Nic called to him on a level he hardly understood. He only knew that he needed Nic, needed him to feel really alive. His life prior to these last few days had been dry and colorless, and he’d never even known it. His days had been filled with studying; even after his education had finished, he still loved to learn new things all the time. He was forever lost in this book or that one. That had been enough for him, that and his few nights out when Pietro had dragged him along with his friends; nights that often ended up with he and Pietro having sex. Maxim accepted now that Pietro had only cultivated his friendship more closely in the last few months because he’d wanted his body, and Maxim had been grateful for his attentions. How barren his life had been, that he had been gratified to be used by another man because he knew no better. Yet was Nic really any different? Maxim might derive great pleasure from being with Nic, but was he being used any less? He didn’t know, and that was what made him angry. Nic said such things to him, talking of feeling and caring, of not wanting to let go. Yet he still left early each morning without a word of explanation. Maxim never even knew for certain that he would come the next night. He wanted not to care, had planned to be out this evening just to show Nic that he wasn’t at his beck and call. Yet here he was, desperately waiting. “Nic, please,” he muttered under his breath. “Please what?” Maxim swung round, shocked to find Nic standing in the entrance to his rooms. “I… I didn’t hear you knock,” he said shakily. “No,” Nic said, pushing the door to and closing the distance between them. Before Maxim realized Nic had even moved, he found himself enveloped in a bear hug. “Oh, Nic,” he murmured, returning the embrace with fervor. “I know it’s only been a few hours, but I missed you.” He wished

on RefLection 155 the words back almost immediately, afraid of scaring Nic away by admitting such dependence so quickly. Lords, he had only known the man for three or four days. It didn’t matter. Maxim knew how he felt, but Nic probably thought he was crazy. “I know. I’ve been counting the hours, too.” “Why didn’t you come sooner, then?” Maxim breathed. “I couldn’t. I wanted to, but…” Maxim waited, but nothing else was forthcoming. “But what?” He took a deep breath. “Wouldn’t your wife let you out?” he asked gruffly. Nic pulled back and looked at him, and to Maxim’s surprise, he smiled. “Is that what you think? That I have someone else, a wife or another lover? Oh, you are so wrong.” Maxim wanted to ask him for an explanation, but Nic’s mouth covered his hungrily and soon all thought fled from his mind. Hours later he awoke, having fallen into the sated sleep of the well loved, to find Nic languorously caressing his naked back. Maxim didn’t think Nic knew he was awake yet and he lay still, thinking. Nothing had been solved, he realized. After Nic’s denial that he had any other lover, he had been silent, putting all his effort into showing Maxim how he felt, and he had been spectacularly successful. Maxim’s body ached in so many delicious ways, but his mind was still heavy with doubt. It was then that he decided if Nic wouldn’t tell him why he left so early and what he did with his days, Maxim would find out for himself. When Nic left later, he would follow. §§§ Where the hell had he gone? Maxim was puzzled. Nic had left as usual, and Maxim had pulled on his pants, still hearing Nic’s measured step on the stairs. He hadn’t time to put on a shirt, so he pulled his overcoat over his naked chest and buttoned it up tight before he ran down the stairs as fast as he could. When he left his house, he was just in time to see Nic turn the corner at the end of the avenue, and he ran again to see where he went from

156 Stevie Woods there. But by the time he reached the corner, there was no sign of Nic, which seemed impossible, since it was a long narrow road with no turnings until the far end, where half a dozen mansions were set back in large gardens. Shaking his head in confusion, Maxim ran the full length of the road, gasping for breath by the time he reached the end, but there was no one in sight. When he was about to turn back, Maxim heard a rough clattering sound somewhere above him. He looked up to see a figure outlined against the lightening sky. The man, for indeed it was a man, was running away from him at an impossible speed, leaping from roof to roof. Maxim watched in awe at the gymnastic antics of the man, almost afraid to believe it could possibly be Nic. He felt his stomach clench at the possibilities that went through his fertile imagination. “No,” he said aloud as he turned back toward home. “You know better than that. A theory is one thing; evidence is another.” §§§ Nic was pacing his room, waiting for the sun to set. Tonight would be the seventh night in a row he would spend with Maxim, would make love to Maxim, for that was what it was. It hardly seemed long enough to accept that he had fallen in love for the second time in his existence, yet he couldn’t be more certain. Ever since he had met the fascinating young man, his plans had spiraled out of control. He had come home to say goodbye to his past, and he was overwhelmed to discover he may have found his future. His mind and his heart drifted back to Paolo, and he believed the gentle being would have approved. The first night he’d felt the pull deep inside, and had tried to dismiss it as simple sexual attraction, but it was more than that, he knew that now. When he’d gone back to see Maxim the second night they had hardly left the bed, and Maxim had been upset that he had insisted on leaving as the night drew to a close. Nic hadn’t been certain of his welcome the third night, but Maxim

on RefLection 157 had kissed him as soon as he entered the room, and had begged Nic not to leave when he felt dawn coming. Each succeeding day had been the same, with Maxim begging Nic not to leave, becoming angry and upset when he insisted that he had to go. Maxim had thrown a variety of accusations at him, and Nic couldn’t really defend himself because everything he said smacked of avoidance. The last couple of mornings Maxim hadn’t bothered to ask, but Nic knew it wasn’t that he didn’t care. He looked sad but resigned when Nic rose and got dressed; so attuned to it now that Maxim also dressed, saying he was too unsettled to stay in bed any longer. It only made Nic feel guiltier. Now the need to see Maxim again clawed at Nic, and he was counting the seconds until he could safely leave his refuge. He also understood that this night he had to either bid goodbye to Maxim—and ultimately to what passed for his life— or risk telling him the truth. If Maxim spurned him, the result would be the same. Past or future, life or death. It was in Maxim’s hands. §§§ As usual Maxim was waiting for him, pouncing on Nic as soon as he entered the room. Nic kissed him passionately, holding Maxim as close as he could, feeling Maxim’s hardness pressing against his hip. However, when they broke the kiss, Nic stepped back and avoided Maxim when he reached for him. “What is it?” Maxim asked quietly as his arms dropped. “Have you tired of me, then?” “Tired of you? I will never tire of holding you, kissing you, possessing you, it’s what I…” Nic stopped abruptly. He couldn’t in all honesty say lived for, could he? “I know it hasn’t been long, but I’m already head over heels in love with you,” he finished softly. “What? You are?” Maxim grinned and pulled Nic against him. This time Nic did not resist, sighing as Maxim kissed his neck. “I was afraid to tell you, thought you might think I was moving too

158 Stevie Woods fast, but Lords, Nic, I love you too.” “Come, sit down,” Nic said softly. Maxim willingly went with him to sit on the sofa, immediately climbing onto Nic’s lap and leaning in to kiss him again, but Nic stopped him with a hand on his chest. “Nic?” he asked in consternation. “I have to tell you the truth. I can’t let this go any further until you know everything about me.” Nic’s tone was almost sad. “So,” Maxim said, just as seriously as Nic, “You really do care about me?” Nic frowned, “I thought you understood that?” “I think I understand more than you know. But, go ahead,” Maxim said as he slid off Nic’s lap to sit beside him. Nic was confused by Maxim’s mercurial mood, but determined to carry on, he said, “Very well. It’s a long story, and a difficult one. Difficult to tell and hard to listen to. I warn you of that.” Maxim closed his eyes briefly, and said, “Perhaps I should make it a little easier for you. I believe you are a nightwalker.” Nic couldn’t have been more shocked if Maxim had told him that he was a nightwalker. He stared at his lover, and then it registered that Maxim was still sitting with him, calmly looking at him with that same serious expression. He wasn’t afraid. “You knew? How? And for how long?” Shrugging, Maxim admitted, “I wasn’t exactly positive until this moment. Your words seemed to confirm what I had come to believe over the last couple of nights. I followed you when you left me because I was so desperate to know what you were really hiding. I admit, the first morning I thought to prove you in a lie, but what I saw shocked that notion from my mind. I wasn’t sure what I was seeing, except that it wasn’t natural. I’ve spent every waking moment in the last few days reading, researching. I came to my conclusion this afternoon.” “And, suspecting this, you still welcomed me back each night?

on RefLection 159 You are remarkable, Maxim Ascenti,” Nic said fervently. “No, just a fool in love.” He smiled. “If you had wanted to kill me, you’d have done that the first night. The way you made love to me, it was…” He sighed. “Tell me, Nic, tell me everything.” Nic told his story as succinctly and clearly as he could. He watched carefully as Maxim’s eyes widened while he listened avidly. Nic remembered all too well the horror with which Paolo had first learned the truth. He had prepared himself for all kinds of histrionics from Maxim, so this calm acceptance was difficult for Nic to comprehend. When Nic got to the part where his sire had viciously killed Paolo, his voice cracked and he stopped to take a breath, at which point Maxim stood up and walked to stand by the open window, his back to the room. Doggedly, Nic continued, swiftly describing what had occurred over the next hundred or so years. If he was going to bare his soul, he would tell everything. By the time he had finished, he was a little hoarse. And he was scared. Maxim had let him talk without interrupting, for which he was grateful, but now he felt in a kind of limbo. Nic had wanted time to tell his history, but now he needed to see Maxim’s face, read his eyes. Nic moved to stand behind him, staring at Maxim’s reflection in the glass, trying to gauge his reaction. He caught a glimpse of Maxim glancing in his direction and, coming to a sudden decision, Nic dropped the glamour that allowed Maxim to see his reflection. Suddenly Maxim sucked in a breath. Nic backed away as Maxim finally turned to face him. Maxim stared at him, looking into his eyes, and then his gaze swept over his form before rising slowly to his face again. “I had thought that must be a mere legend, because I had seen your reflection.” “No, you only thought you did. Having no reflection was one of things that gave nightwalkers away in the old times when the legends were still accepted. It is one of the first things we must learn to protect ourselves, and it becomes almost second nature. There are many other tricks to fool the minds of humans, but I swear I have used no others with you.”

160 Stevie Woods Maxim nodded thoughtfully. He let his gaze travel over Nic’s face. “You look so normal,” he said quietly. “You hardly appear much older than I do, and yet you are hundreds of years old.” He shook his head in disbelief. Then, oddly, he smiled. “I’m sorry for all you suffered. You never asked for any of this. I have to admit I’m relieved to know you have never killed anyone. It is rather remarkable for a nightwalker, I expect,” he said, and smiled. “I knew you were different.” “You hoped I was different,” Nic said softly. Maxim sighed. “Yes, you are right. I can’t help but love you, but I am so grateful you are still worthy of that emotion.” “Am I? I didn’t think I was worthy of any emotion, not anymore. I—” He stopped and turned away. “You what?” Maxim pressed, grabbing hold of his shoulders, trying to turn Nic to face him, but he resisted. “Nic?” “I’ve not really been living, not even as the undead, not since Paolo was taken from me. I came home, back to the where it all began, with one intention.” He paused, sensing the tension thrumming through Maxim. Tensely, Nic added, “To greet the sunrise.” Maxim gasped behind him. “No!” “You saved me, Maxim. Meeting you was the best thing that’s happened to me in over a century. But am I only setting us both up for pain? You’re human and I’m not. Perhaps it would be better for both of us if I—” “No!” Maxim interrupted angrily; this time thrusting himself in front of Nic and making him meet his eyes. “I am not going to lose you, not now. I don’t know why we met, but we did. I love you.” Maxim looked intently at Nic. “Do you really love me? Is what you feel for me equal to what you felt for your Paolo? Would you do for me what you were prepared to do for him?” “What are you talking about?” “The Talisman of Leliel.”

chAPteR nineteen Nic’s mouth dropped open. “But what do you know of that? I didn’t say much about that, I’m sure.” Nic frowned, trying to remember exactly what he had said about the research he had been doing since Paolo’s passing. “You didn’t say much beyond the fact that Paolo had wanted you to have another chance at life, real life, and he was searching for the talisman when he was killed, and that eventually,” Maxim emphasized the word, and Nic realized that Maxim was letting him know that he understood his grief and desire for revenge, “you continued his work.” “But that doesn’t—” Maxim interrupted, “I told you I’ve done nothing but read for the last few days, and only this morning I read a paper about the increased interest in this once-obscure legend of Leliel and his talisman. I wouldn’t be surprised if you created this interest yourself.” Maxim shrugged. Shaking his head in disbelief, Nic moved closer to Maxim. “I say it again, you are remarkable. You ask if I really love you? If I’m prepared to do for you what I would have done for Paolo? The answer is yes, oh yes.” He pulled Maxim into an embrace, holding his gaze. “If I believed in such things, I might even think he had a hand in sending you to me.” Leaning against Nic, Maxim murmured, “Don’t know about that, but you’d better believe in the possibility of the talisman. Because, you see, I refuse to let you get away, so if you can’t become human then I guess I’ll have to become a nightwalker.” “No!” Nic pushed Maxim back to stare fixedly at him. “No, you don’t want to even think about that. There is nothing glamorous or exciting about being one of the undead, please believe that.” “You begged Paolo to let you turn him!”

162 Stevie Woods “I know,” Nic replied quietly. “At the time I thought it was the only way, the right way, but that was just selfish. Now I know better, I would never turn another human soul.” Maxim regarded him thoughtfully but said nothing. “Look,” Nic said patiently, “can we leave this for now?” He caressed Maxim’s face, “We’ve just admitted how we really feel about each other. I love talking with you, but that luscious mouth has other uses, too.” Maxim laughed. “That’s one way to ask for a kiss.” Maxim leaned forward, but when his lips were but a breath from Nic’s mouth, Nic whispered, “We can begin with a kiss.” Then Nic sealed his lips over Maxim’s, who just melted against him. Nic gripped the back of Maxim’s neck, keeping him just where Nic wanted him, plundering Maxim’s mouth, only stopping when Maxim whimpered. “Oh, God, Maxim, I should have let you go. You should have gone when you had the chance. Now it’s too late.” “It was too late the moment we met,” Maxim breathed against Nic’s lips. His tongue slipped out and licked along Nic’s lower lip, his teeth nipping it before his tongue slid into Nic’s mouth, swallowing his moan. Nic felt Maxim’s arm tighten around him as the kiss deepened again, their tongues twisting around each other, sliding and tasting every surface. Maxim’s hands ran up and down Nic’s back, until he took a firm hold of Nic’s shirt and pulled it from his pants. He slid one hand under the shirt, sighing when he came in contact with the velvety skin. As Maxim touched his naked back, Nic felt the heat of the touch skitter along his spine, and he shivered when Maxim sighed into his mouth, the warm breath seeming to soak into his very being. Nic pulled back and looked into Maxim’s eyes, seeing his pupils were almost black with desire. He reached out and gently caressed his cheek, and Maxim leaned into the touch before turning to kiss Nic’s fingers.

on RefLection 163 “Let’s go to bed,” Nic said softly. §§§ “I’ve told you tonight how remarkable you are, Maxim, and that’s not even taking into account your attributes,” said Nic, laughing as they stood by the bed. This was going to be special, Nic thought. It didn’t matter that the sex had always been wonderful; this was their first time making love. “My attributes?” “Oh, you want a list?” Nic grinned. “Very well. First of all you have beautiful eyes; I could fall into them and never come out.” The grin had faded now, and Nic regarded his lover with an almost distant look in his eyes. “I love running my fingers through your hair, spun silk,” he murmured. “You have very kissable lips,” he added, his fingers drifted across them as he spoke. “I love your long neck and your strong shoulders.” The finger traced along Maxim’s body as Nic spoke, making him shiver with anticipation. Nic followed his fingers with light kisses as his hands moved toward the center of Maxim’s chest and he began to unbutton Maxim’s shirt. “I like that your chest is smooth, and I fantasized that I was able to make you come just by paying special attention to your nipples.” Maxim gasped then. “Oh Lords, Nic, I can’t take any more. I need you now.” He shoved Nic back onto the bed and leapt on it after him. Laughing happily, Nic caught him. Maxim squirmed out of Nic’s arms and got to work immediately, removing his clothes, almost tearing the shirt in haste to get it off. Nic moved to help him, but Maxim just batted his hands out of the way, lifting his eyes to look at Nic as he did so. Nic sucked in a breath at the intense expression on Maxim’s face, and he couldn’t help but wonder how he looked to his lover. Finally getting Nic’s shirt off, Maxim all but attacked his chest, holding Nic flat as his tongue and teeth took possession of his nipples. Nic groaned and squirmed, loving the feeling of possession that was coming off Maxim in waves. He hadn’t felt wanted, needed, loved like this in longer than he

164 Stevie Woods could remember, and he almost cried at how much he had missed the feeling, the knowledge that he belonged. Then, with a jolt, he realized that Maxim belonged to him as much as he belonged to Maxim, and his heart swelled; the emotion almost too much to bear after a century in the desert. Maxim moved slowly but surely down Nic’s body, proving that he was very talented with that mouth. Nic arched his hips upward, trying to get Maxim to put his lips on one particular spot, but Maxim ignored him, nibbling the inside of his thighs instead, and Nic groaned. Maxim lifted his head, a mischievous grin lighting his face. “You did want me to use my mouth to the full, didn’t you?” “Yes,” Nic sounded hoarsely, “but don’t torture me.” “Torture you? You mean don’t do this?” Maxim asked as he drew his tongue along the thick vein on the underside of Nic’s cock. Nic shivered, and his moan turned to a cry when Maxim abruptly swallowed him whole. Eyes holding his lover’s gaze, Maxim used his tongue and lips to drive Nic out of his mind, sucking him deep and then releasing him to lick and nibble his way back to the tip. Maxim lapped at the slit before swallowing Nic down again. Nic was constantly murmuring Maxim’s name, alternating with entreaties for more, faster, deeper. Suddenly, he screamed when Maxim pressed a finger just inside his entrance at the same time as he drew Nic’s cock deeply into his mouth again. As his cock hit the back of Maxim’s throat, Nic’s orgasm roared through him and he came with a force that shocked even him. When he came back to himself, Maxim was lying half across him, gently caressing his belly. Nic watched him, just enjoying the closeness until Maxim moved, and Nic felt the hard length against his side, and he acknowledged that he wanted to feel that heated flesh inside him. It had been a long time since he’d let anyone take him; it had always been Nic who had done the taking. It was suddenly vital that he feel that most intimate of

on RefLection 165 touches from Maxim. “Make love to me, Maxim,” he said softly, “It has been a long time since I was taken like that, and I want to feel you, I want everything with you.” §§§ Maxim leaned up on his elbow looking into Nic’s face, joy surging through him. “I would like nothing more.” He smiled. “I might prove that I am talented with more than just my mouth.” Maxim had dreamed of this moment, but Nic had always seemed so strong, so independent, that he didn’t think the other man would accept it. After he had come to the conclusion that Nic was most likely a nightwalker, he had doubted the possibility even more. Now for Nic to ask him was a dream come true. It wasn’t that he wouldn’t have stayed with Nic if it had never happened. Maxim loved him, it was that simple, but suddenly he knew just how much he had wanted this. Maxim opened the drawer beside the bed and took out a small bottle of oil. “How do you want to do this?” “I want to watch you,” Nic said, settling himself comfortably on his back. “Nothing I’d like better,” Maxim agreed. “I want to see you when I’m deep inside.” “By the Divine, Max, do you know how erotic that sounds?” “I think I do,” Maxim agreed huskily. Invitingly, Nic spread his legs, and Maxim’s hand shook as he tried to uncork the bottle of oil. He took a breath, forcing himself to relax. He opened the bottle at the next attempt and generously oiled his fingers. “You won’t hurt me,” Nic said quietly and Maxim nodded, understanding what he meant, but he wanted to feel that he had done everything just right. He knew how firm the muscles were under the soft skin, but he sensed that touching Nic’s ass this time would be so very different. Maxim caressed Nic in long strokes, moving from his waist

166 Stevie Woods down to the crease between his hip and thigh, slipping across to fondle his balls. Nic shivered and moaned, automatically lifting his legs, exposing himself fully. Maxim loved that he could do that to Nic, make him feel so much. Sliding his fingers underneath, Maxim brushed the tender flesh, and Nic bucked as Maxim circled his hole. Then Maxim pushed the first finger inside, half expecting Nic to tense up, but he didn’t. Instead, Nic relaxed and gave himself over to Maxim’s ministrations. After a minute or so, Maxim added another finger, stretching and twisting as Nic lay there quietly moaning. It was so erotic Maxim had to grab himself and squeeze the base of his cock, or he’d shoot before he ever got inside. “Now, Max, I’m ready. I want to feel you, please,” Nic demanded. Nodding, Maxim edged between Nic’s spread legs, lifting them over his thighs. He squirmed nearer, settling himself comfortably. Maxim grinned as he lined himself up and pushed gently in, but Nic didn’t want to wait and tried to shove himself onto Maxim’s hard length. Taking the hint, Maxim thrust the rest of way in, and they both gasped as Maxim’s balls slapped Nic’s ass. He might be a nightwalker, but Nic was breathing hard as he tried to control his body’s reactions. Watching, fascinated, Maxim pulled slowly out of Nic’s warm channel and thrust back in. Nic gasped again, arching his neck so his head pressed back into the pillows. Needing to feel more, Maxim thrust in and out, setting up a steady pace, lifting Nic’s hips a little to alter the angle of his thrusts, trying to find that special spot deep inside. “Faster, Max, faster…ah!” Nic cried. Nic said little after that, unless you counted the moans. Maxim’s rhythm was set now, hitting Nic’s prostate with every thrust. Maxim had never known such bliss, Nic’s heat surrounding him, Nic’s gasps and moans filling his senses. Maxim opened his eyes to find Nic watching him, breath coming in gasps in time with Maxim’s thrusts, eyes black and sparkling with passion. It was enough to push Maxim over the

on RefLection 167 edge, his orgasm beginning in his toes, speeding up his legs into his groin to explode inside his lover, ripping a yell from his throat. “Nic!” He came to himself, slumped over Nic and wrapped in his arms. “Thank you,” Nic said. Maxim laughed. “You’re thanking me? That was incredible, the most intense sex I ever had.” Nic smiled and continued to hold him. §§§ A few minutes later Maxim looked up at Nic, his expression thoughtful. Nic waited, but Maxim didn’t speak. “What?” Nic pressed. Maxim shrugged and lay back down. “Don’t do that,” Nic said, sighing. “If you have something to ask me, just ask.” Hesitantly, Maxim began, “I… I. You never bit me, did you?” he finished in a rush. “What?”

“I know you can weave all sorts of spells, but you’ve never

used any on me, have you? When we first met, I mean, before you had feelings for me. Taken any blood, or anything?” His voice faded as he caught sight of Nic’s icy glare. Nic couldn’t put into words how hurt he felt at Maxim’s question, and he rolled away from Maxim, swinging his legs over the side of the bed to sit with his back to his lover. Didn’t Maxim trust him? Wasn’t that a major part of what they had just expressed to each other? Then he realized exactly what he was asking of Maxim, a man who had known him only for a matter of days and had already accepted him for what he was. Was it really surprising that doubt would creep in? Had he not been surprised only an hour or so ago by just how trusting Maxim was? “I was honest with you when I said the only artifice I had used was to create a reflection.” He turned his gaze on Maxim

168 Stevie Woods again, and calmly he continued, “No, I have not bitten you. If I had taken you that first night, when I was indeed just following an attractive man with the intent of simply feeding, even then I would only have taken enough to slake my thirst. I would have sent you home feeling tired but sated. Instead, I was captivated and took only your time.” Maxim sighed and nodded. “Have you fed from others before you have come to me each night? Sent them home tired but sated?” Nic stood and ran his fingers through his hair. “Not since that first night. When I left you, I needed… to feed. Damn it, I needed to sate all my hungers,” Nic admitted gruffly. “And now? Nic, if you fed from me, just enough, that wouldn’t harm me, would it?” “You want me to promise what Paolo asked of me?” Maxim raised his eyebrows, “What did you promise Paolo?” “To feed only from him. He couldn’t bear the thought of my taking pleasure with another man just so I could feed, so I took a little from him whenever I needed.” Nic decided not to mention that he had occasionally fed from animals, too; it would no longer be necessary. It seemed the longer he remained a nightwalker, the less frequently he had to feed. Maxim smiled, looking decidedly relieved. He rose and went to stand in front of Nic. “Do you need anything now? We did rather wear each other out.” “No, I don’t need to feed every day. If I just rest, I’ll be fine.” “Then stay with me, rest here.”

chAPteR tWenty Now that Maxim knew the whole truth, he claimed there was nothing to stop Nic moving into his small apartment with him. “What about your family? I know they have plans for you.” “I have thought long and hard about this. I have to live my life by my own choices, not those of my family. I want you, not some woman who I would only make unhappy.” He sighed. “I have an older brother; they will have to be content that he has taken a wife.” Nic suspected it wouldn’t be as simple as Maxim was suggesting, but he also recognized that his lover was set on his own path. Whatever happened, Nic would stand by his side. To lighten the mood, Nic asked, “You sure you want this, that I won’t be crowding you?” “Of course I want this!” Maxim laughed. “It will be much easier to keep an eye on you under my roof. Besides, I want you to crowd me.” He sidled closer as he spoke, his eyes on Nic’s mouth, and Nic was perfectly happy to oblige. §§§ It didn’t take long for them to get comfortable with each other. Nic still took his rest during the day and Maxim gradually began to sleep later and later, soon hardly rising before noon. He ate his first meal of the day as he watched Nic continue to sleep. He surrounded himself with Nic’s books so he could learn everything about the nightwalkers and the talisman. When Nic arose they would talk, Maxim peppering him with endless questions until he knew everything that Nic did about the legends of Leliel and his talisman. Nic admitted that he believed the legend was truly ancient, and though it was possible the talisman had existed at one time, he had no idea if it still did, or of where it might be now.

170 Stevie Woods “The last recorded location for the artifact, if you believe the meanderings of a half-mad monk,” Nic said with a shrug, “was in the archives of the old Tullio monastery.” “Tullio? The one they pulled down to make room for the new Temple?” “Yes, but that was documented over five hundred years ago, so it could be literally anywhere at all—or nowhere,” Nic said forlornly. “But you do know its purpose, how it is meant to work?” Sighing, Nic admitted that he did. “Damn it, Max, I wish you could let this go.” §§§ Maxim didn’t say anything. How could he tell Nic that he was afraid the nightwalker’s melancholy would return if the only future Nic saw for himself was an eternity with no purpose? That Nic might once again wish to relinquish what passed for life for his kind? However, from what Nic had told him, Maxim believed that Nic would happily accept the comparatively short lifespan of a human being if he could spend it with someone he loved, rather than spending eternity alone. it.

And Maxim would do everything he could to help Nic achieve §§§

Nic knew that Maxim was worried, but didn’t know how to make him understand. The Divine knew that Nic wanted to believe he could have a second chance at life, but after so much heartache, so many disappointments in his long existence, he was afraid. After having lost Paolo, and then being so lucky as to find Maxim, it was too hard for him to risk hoping for so much. One evening he stood staring out of the window, waiting for Maxim to finish dressing. They had planned to go out for the evening; there was a new entertainment troupe in town, and Nic wanted to get Maxim’s mind off his research and back to the real

on RefLection 171 world in which he lived. Nic knew that Maxim loved the theatre, and this troupe had a new play to perform. Nic’s mood was low, and he knew he had to put on as good a performance as the traveling players or Maxim would see right through him. Hearing his lover’s footfalls, Nic turned, a smile gracing his lips. “Ready? This should be quite an experience,” he said cheerfully. Maxim regarded him for a moment. He shook his head, sighed, and said, “Don’t do that, Nic.” “Do what?” “Put on an act for me. It’s not necessary. I find it rather dishonest.” Nic smiled genuinely then. “You find this dishonest after I kept my true nature a secret from you for almost a week?” “Fine,” Maxim huffed. “What I mean is you don’t have to hide your emotions from me, even the negative ones.” Maxim walked over to Nic, stopping about six inches from him. “Do you really think I don’t understand? I know you are afraid, I know you have no belief that life will give you what you deserve. You’ve been hurt too many times. But don’t you see? If you give up, you can never have that dream come true. You have to keep fighting. Don’t give up on me, Nic. I will never give up on you—on us.” He closed the gap and took Nic in his arms, staring deep into his eyes. “Help me find the talisman.” With a groan, Nic pulled Maxim closer and crushed their mouths together. Finally releasing him, Nic leaned his forehead against Maxim’s and said, “I’d do anything for you, Max, you know that, but it’s hard to… to keep,” his eyes widened as the word fell from his lips, “faith.” Maxim smiled widely, “That is exactly what you need. Faith that we will succeed. Together, Nic, together.” Maxim raised his eyebrows questioningly. “Together,” Nic breathed. §§§

172 Stevie Woods Maxim was much happier with Nic’s improved attitude, and they worked together in an attempt to track down any possible avenues. As the weeks passed into months, Maxim would scour the city, searching every possible establishment that might hold even a vague clue. During the afternoons, while Nic still slept on, Maxim visited libraries, museums, antique stores, junk bazaars and curio shops. To make it easier, he and Nic had divided the city into sections, and Maxim traipsed around one area a day, desperate to find anything, any trace at all. It was hard to return home before sunset, no wiser than when he had left hours earlier. But he wouldn’t give up, not ever. The festival season had arrived in Volenzkya, and Nic insisted that they go out among the people and celebrate. They hadn’t gone out very often and Nic wanted Maxim to enjoy himself. “You spend far too much time worrying about the future and not enough enjoying the present, and for that you must forgive me. I’ve brought nothing but darkness into your life,” Nic said heavily. “That’s not true,” Maxim retorted. “You give me much joy, Nic, and I don’t regret one minute, not of the past, the present, or the future to come, as long as I am with you.” “I don’t deserve you,” Nic murmured. “No, you don’t.” Maxim laughed. “So take me out and show me the best this old city has to offer.” Nic smiled. “Come, then. The festival of lights takes place tonight and though it has been many years since I saw it, it was always a lot of fun. Lots of music and dancing. You like to dance, Maxim?” “I should like to dance with you,” Maxim confessed, and Nic laughed, leading him out into the night. The city streets were full of revelers, out to enjoy the party season, when all were equal and people were freer with each other than at other times. Music was playing everywhere, and people were literally dancing in the streets. There were booths set

on RefLection 173 up in the parks, selling foods of various kinds, hot and cold, spicy and sweet. There were beverages of all kinds for sale, too, and it was obvious that many folk had already imbibed freely. “Look, Max, they have that soft Namier cheese you like,” Nic said, moving closer to one of the long tables. “I can see just about every kind of cold meat imaginable.” “I’m not that hungry, I can get something later when we get home. I know they have some of that Reisen wine you said you really liked, and—” “Maxim,” Nic interrupted. Speaking quietly, he continued, “Just because I rarely eat doesn’t mean you shouldn’t. Go, fill up your plate, and I will even have a little fruit with my wine. There is a long yellow fruit that even I have never seen before, and I would like to try a taste of that.” Maxim smiled. “And a taste of eradin nuts. I have heard they are very sweet and tender.” Nic laughed. “As sweet and tender as you?” “Ass!” Maxim laughed. “Let’s get something later. I’d like to look around first.” Nic and Maxim walked closely together, their bodies brushing constantly, keeping them both on the edge of wanting. It was heady. They reached the great park, where an orchestra played and couples danced under myriad lights strung among the trees. “Let’s dance,” Nic said. “I don’t want to dance with anyone but you,” Maxim declared. “I know.” Nic grinned mischievously. “Come on!” He pulled an astonished Maxim into a dim area beyond the lights, and taking Maxim into his arms, he twirled them around to the music. “Oh, Nic,” Maxim whispered, kissing him, nibbling down his neck, pressing his body closer. “Don’t tempt me,” Nic growled. “Not here.” “Why not? You could take me here under the stars. Think how exciting that would be with all these people nearby.” Maxim

174 Stevie Woods felt Nic’s arousal surge against his thigh at his words. “Wanton boy,” Nic hissed. Even as he drew Maxim closer, the sound of laughter assailed them and two young women ran past, pursued by two young men. “Too many people about,” Nic added with a touch of sadness. Maxim kissed him quickly and then pulled out of the embrace. “Then I’ll get you a drink of a different kind.” “I only want to taste you,” Nic said softly. He felt Maxim’s hand tighten on his as they made their way back to the lighted area. Abruptly Nic felt discomfited, without understanding why. Maxim was speaking and Nic tried to concentrate on what he was saying. Then he felt a skittering down his spine and he was positive someone was watching him. Releasing his nightwalker senses, he swiftly turned a full circle, determined to catch out who it was, but he saw no one suspicious. “What’s wrong, Nic? You seem... distracted.” “Nothing,” Nic said, but at Maxim’s concerned glance, he added, “I just had an odd feeling. It’s gone now.” His last statement was true; whatever had disturbed him, the sensation had indeed disappeared. However, he felt no less troubled by the fact that the feeling had gone as quickly as it had surfaced. He smiled for Maxim’s benefit and determined to continue to enjoy the rest of the night for his lover’s sake. Though he made sure to stay alert. §§§ Smiling to himself, he melted further back into the blackness among the trees, watching as they moved away. He had come out this night hunting one kind of prey and had found another kind entirely.

chAPteR tWenty-one In his search for the talisman, Maxim moved steadily outwards from the center of the city, where most of the business districts were situated and where he had already thoroughly searched. He was less confident of finding anything in the outer sections, but Nic had other ideas. “I think you might be surprised at what you find in those narrow back streets,” Nic said. “You know, I should have thought of them sooner. Many of them are little more than open stalls in front of the owner’s homes. They keep odd hours, many staying open late. We could go together to have a look around there.” He hesitated, looking thoughtful. “Do you remember what the name was of that place the old monk mentioned to us last night?” Maxim remembered only too well the old monk they had bumped into at the brewer’s stall following their interrupted dance. He had been surprised to see the old man there, but not as surprised as he was to discover that it was his brew they went on to sample. Maxim had initiated a conversation with the monk, intending only to enjoy a quick jibe at how good the religious man was at making a strong brew, but the old monk had been garrulous, and before they knew it they had moved onto more general subjects. Maxim had taken a chance and confessed to the old gentleman that he was very interested in outdated religious dogma and theories, especially those that had been controversial and disputed. Nic had given him a sharp glance, a warning to be careful he was sure, but Maxim had ignored him, believing firmly that they wouldn’t get anywhere if they kept their aim a secret. “Do you mean the place that he said specialized in religious relics?” Maxim queried. “I remember the name, but can’t say that he told us where it was. He seemed most keen to warn us off such places, saying they only sold junk or fakes.” “One man’s junk is another man’s treasure.” Nic smiled. “It’s worth a look, I would think.”

176 Stevie Woods “Yes, if we can find it,” Maxim said. “After all, how many places do you think there might be called the Old Curio Shop?” Nic laughed. “Oh, damn it, yes. How could I forget that! That will probably take some finding.” “Hopefully, most folk will think the same as we do and it’s the only place so named. You really want to come out with me?” Maxim was excited at the prospect. “Of course I do. I’ve loathed that you’ve had do all this alone, walking miles each day around the city.” Maxim grinned. “I suppose if you could go out during the daytime, you’d have zipped all over the city by now and would have found the talisman.” “If I could go out during the day, I wouldn’t need the talisman,” Nic replied heavily. “Oh, Nic.” He wasn’t going to apologize; sometimes Nic was just too sensitive. “Come on; let’s plan where we want to go this evening.” §§§ “I followed them, master, just like you wanted. They went to a large house—” “Together?” he interrupted. “Yes, master. After they went inside, I hung about trying to learn more. After a while a maid came out, so I approached her, said I was looking for a friend that lived somewhere on this street. As soon as I mentioned the name Volenz, she told me he lived on the top floor with his friend.” “They live together? Oh, even better.” He smiled, walking back and forth, hands ever moving, eyes glittering with excitement. “Write down the address.” He waved a hand imperiously at the young man. He said in a quiet voice, speaking only to himself, “And tonight I will watch from afar. You will never know I am there, little Nico, not until I am ready for you to see me.” “Master,” the man whispered, edging closer, “Please, it has been so long. I need… please?”

on RefLection 177 “You need!” Andreas snapped. The man cowered, and he sighed. He could afford to be magnanimous; things couldn’t be better. Besides, a little extra could come in handy later. Nico was no match for him, but that didn’t mean he should be careless. He wished he could have learned more the night before, but Nico had clearly been aware of something, another nightwalker certainly. It had been too delicious to see him after all this time to rush his… Hmm, what was it he wanted, really? Revenge, reprisal? Retaliation, reprimand? That was it! He would reprimand Nico for his audaciousness. Teach him a lesson he would never forget, and then take him back where he belonged. He would never stray again. First, however, some reconnaissance. Learn more of this handsome young man who had taken Nico’s fancy this time. Find the ideal way to punish his wayward love. He grabbed hold of his servant’s neck and yanked the man to him, forcing him to his knees while Andreas leaned forward and licked at his neck. His fangs lengthened and he pierced the skin hungrily. §§§ Nic had accompanied Maxim every evening for the last four nights while they had toured around the less salubrious areas of the city looking for small, out of the way junk bazaars or curio shops. They had found lots of interesting stuff, but nothing linked to the talisman. Each night, Nic had felt increasingly uncomfortable, but was never able to exactly pin down the feeling. Nic had attempted to keep his disquiet to himself, but Maxim seemed to read him with increasing ease. Maxim stopped, gave an exaggerated sigh, and asked, “What is it?” “What do you mean?” Nic asked in all innocence. “It seems to me that we have been here before,” Maxim commented. “Nic, don’t keep anything from me. It’s not fair and no, I’m not whining. I am being straightforward. We are together

178 Stevie Woods and you want me to help you, I have a right to know everything that’s going on in your life. Nic, be honest with me.” “I want you to help me?” Nic smiled. “Seemed like that was the other way around.” Maxim stared back, not smiling. Nic sighed. “It’s not like that. I’m not keeping anything from you. It’s just a… an odd feeling, nothing I can explain, not even to myself.” “What kind of feeling?” “Didn’t I just say I can’t explain?” Nic said irritably. “Try! You feel like you’re being watched, is that it?” Nic walked away, his back to Maxim, and he was grateful that for a moment his lover let him be. Taking a breath, he turned back. “It felt almost as if a nightwalker was close, but as soon as I released my senses I knew there was nothing there. I decided I was just letting my fears eat at me.” “And this has happened more than once?” “Each night, since the festival of lights.” Maxim closed the distance between them. “Nic, maybe you are not imagining it; maybe there is a nightwalker watching you.” Maxim reached out and took his hands, clinging tightly. “Maybe he is back.” Nic’s hands tightened on Maxim. It hurt to hear his own fears put into words, but it also galvanized him into knowing he couldn’t just hide behind those fears any longer. He needed to be sure, for Maxim’s sake if not for his own. He nodded. “Maybe he is. I’ll go and check out his place.” “We will go and check out his place.” “No. I want you safe.” “And that means being with you. Do you really think I would be safe alone?” The words made Nic’s stomach turn over when he thought of Paolo alone and at Andreas’ mercy.

on RefLection 179 Not letting go of Maxim’s hand, Nic led the way back into the heart of the city. §§§ The following afternoon, Maxim was back walking in the poorer part of the city. However, his mind was not on his present mission; he was remembering the pensive visit made at the turn of midnight when Nic had taken him to the Bolonska palace, Andreas’ old haunt. By the time they arrived at the towering gates, Nic had become convinced that Andreas was back and they would find the proof when they reached the house. So it was a relief that the building was obviously still empty. The final proof, Nic determined, was the main door hanging off its hinges. Nic was confident there was no way that Andreas would have left it in such a bad way if he was staying there. Still, they searched the house to be certain, and it was indeed in a state of disrepair and completely empty. So, if everything was fine, why was Nic still so tense? That was the thought troubling Maxim as he moved steadily along the ever-narrowing streets. When Maxim had asked Nic that very question the night before, Nic had shrugged, trying to pass off the continuing uneasiness as the mere aftermath of his mistaken suspicion. It would pass, he stated confidently. Unfortunately, Maxim was unable to shake his own disquiet. He kept thinking he was being watched, which, of course, made no sense because it was broad daylight, not much after noon. No way could any nightwalker survive in the bright sunshine. Forcefully shaking off the feeling and berating himself for a fool, Maxim dragged his concentration back to the whole purpose of his wandering these malodorous alleys in the first place. He saw a brass bauble ahead, jutting out above the alley, a sure sign of a shop selling bric-a-brac of all kinds, most likely a true junk shop. So, when Maxim saw the crudely painted name over the door, he at first thought he had misread the words, but on closer inspection, there could be no mistake. He had found the Old

180 Stevie Woods Curio Shop—at least, an old curio shop. He refused to allow himself to expect anything but more disappointment. Taking a breath, and immediately wishing he hadn’t because he began to cough as the noxious vapors wafting along the alley invaded his lungs, Maxim pushed open the door. If Maxim had been shocked at finding the shop, he was amazed to find the old monk sitting behind a roughly hewn plank of wood purporting to be the shop’s counter. “Brother Uleth, by the Divine, what is this?” “This is the Old Curio Shop,” the old monk replied carefully. “That is not what I mean and you know it!” “I do? Why would I know what you mean when you have not explained?” Maxim pursed his lips to stop himself from saying what he really wanted to. Instead, as calmly as he could, he said, “Brother, you told my friend and I in no uncertain terms that this was one place we should not search for…” he switched words in midsentence, “what we were looking for.” The monk cocked his head on one side, frowning, and said, “I think you misunderstood me, young man. I said you should not visit this shop if you were looking for outdated religious dogma and theories, especially those that had been controversial and disputed.” Maxim recognized his own words as they were quoted back to him. “There is nothing in my inventory that is not wholly accurate and proven, believe me.” Uleth paused, holding Maxim’s gaze. “Those in the Temple are not always as insightful as they believe. There is much they do not understand and therefore do not accept.” Maxim felt the weight of the man’s gaze, and the words seemed to resonate in his mind. it.”

“If you will tell me what you truly seek, mayhap you will find

Maxim stared at Uleth, thinking how to ask the question that danced on his tongue.

on RefLection 181 “Where is your friend from the festival? He who was so pale one wondered if he was ill, as if he had not seen the sun for far too long.” Maxim’s tongue seemed glued to the roof of his mouth, and with difficulty he managed to stammer, “At… home. He’s busy… at home.” “He is not interested in the Talisman of Leliel, too?” Maxim gasped. “How…?” He stepped forward, “Who are you, really?” he asked hoarsely. Uleth smiled, and he suddenly seemed years younger. “I have been guarding the talisman for many years. Only the worthy deserve even the opportunity to see the possibility of salvation.” “How do you know who is worthy?” Maxim asked softly, as if afraid to voice the question. “I know,” Uleth said. He smiled faintly at Maxim. “Your friend might be.” Excited, yet afraid, Maxim asked, “You know where it is? Now?” Uleth did not answer, just met his gaze. Gasping, Maxim declared, “You have it!” “Bring him to me tonight.”

chAPteR tWenty-tWo Nic found it difficult to believe what Maxim had told him, but he couldn’t dismiss the barely contained excitement of his lover. Maxim had described, in minute detail, what had happened at the curio shop. Nic still couldn’t quite work out who the old monk really was. Or, in fact, if he really was a monk at all. “Did you say the old guy was still dressed as a monk?” Nic asked as they walked briskly along. “Mostly,” Maxim answered. “The cowl was missing. and his robe…” Maxim hesitated, frowning. “His robe was different somehow, but I can’t quite remember what it was.” “It doesn’t matter. We’ll be there soon. Maxim, please don’t expect too much. I don’t want you to anticipate…” “A miracle?” Maxim interrupted. “I’m trying to be realistic, but you didn’t see, you didn’t feel the power of his words.” Nic didn’t say anything else. He had no words to bring Maxim from where his meeting with Uleth had taken him. And part of him didn’t want to. It was good to see Maxim so positive, though he couldn’t share the feeling. Not yet. He would have to see the talisman and, if what he had learned was true, it could very well be the last thing he ever saw. Maxim believed it would be his salvation; Nic was still afraid it would only be his condemnation. He wondered if he would have the courage to face the challenge when the moment came. They reached the alley where the curio shop was located, and Maxim picked up speed as he moved toward the entrance, turning to reach for Nic as he opened the door. “Don’t be afraid,” advised Maxim, his smile confident. “This is right. You’ll see.” The inside of the shop looked vastly different in the diffuse candlelight than it had in the bright afternoon sunshine. Blinds were pulled down over both the large window and the small

184 Stevie Woods window in the door, and it seemed at once both cozy and secretive. Nic looked around, but saw no sign of the old monk. He was about to comment on his absence when a thick curtain behind the counter was pulled aside and the man stepped forward. “Ah, there you are. I have been expecting you since the sun went down. Come forward, Nicolo d’Volenzkya.” Nic sucked in a breath at the mention of his full name, a name he had not heard mentioned in almost two hundred years. “How did you know?” he whispered. Uleth smiled. “Why would I not? I know everything about you; how else could I judge if you are worthy accept the challenge?” “Who are you?” Nic asked. The monk’s smile widened. “I think you know.” Nic stared at him, afraid to believe, afraid to voice the name. Yet, why else was he here if not to face this one last gasp of a chance? He glanced over at Maxim, who was staring at… “The angel Leliel,” Nic breathed. At Nic’s mention of the name, Maxim’s head snapped around, an expression of pleased surprise on his face. “I hardly dared believe,” he murmured, turning back to look at Uleth… Leliel again. The angel was abruptly no longer behind the counter but standing face to face with Nic. “You wish to see my talisman?” He locked gazes with Nic. “You accept the hazard to gain the reward?” Nic couldn’t speak because he was afraid. He was risking everything to be with Maxim. Then he smiled. Until he had met Maxim, his existence had been so barren that all he’d wanted was to end it. Maybe he could live for an eternity as a nightwalker, but he would exchange that in a heartbeat for the chance of one real lifetime walking in the sunshine by Maxim’s side. “I do,” Nic said firmly. Leliel nodded. He pressed his hands together and then slowly drew them apart, revealing a small black box. He raised his eyes,

on RefLection 185 his gaze tracking from Nic to Maxim and back again. “Be certain before you open this,” he said, passing the container to Nic. “I understand,” Nic said, staring at the unprepossessing box. “You are as ready as you will ever be.” Maxim moved closer to Nic, standing just behind him and looking over his shoulder at the box in Nic’s hands. “I’m suddenly afraid, Nic,” he confessed, his hand gripping Nic’s shoulder as if he was nervous of letting go. “I know, I am, too, but I also know I have to do this.” The heat of Maxim’s hand on his shoulder warmed his heart as much as his flesh. “I have to trust in Leliel. I don’t think he would have allowed me to get to this stage if he didn’t believe I deserved the chance.” §§§ “Oh, Nic, you do.” Maxim turned to the last place he had seen Leliel, but it seemed the angel had disappeared. For a moment he was puzzled, even moving toward the back room of the small shop, before realizing it was pointless trying to understand the actions of a creature he had always thought was mythical. Even when searching for the talisman, he never expected to encounter an angel. Maxim assumed that the angel had done his part by presenting the gift to Nic, and it was now up to him. Maxim wished Leliel had stayed, if only for moral support, but it seemed it wasn’t to be. He turned to look at Nic, who was still studying the small box in his hands. Maxim saw him carefully fingering the clasp, which was as black as the box itself. Wanting to be with Nic when he opened the casket, Maxim took a step forward, but was immediately halted when an arm wrapped around his neck from behind. “Be still,” a voice spoke harshly in his ear. “I can snap you as easily as a twig.” Maxim didn’t doubt it; the forearm pressing against his throat was solid muscle and rigid with tension. His eyes flew to Nic,

186 Stevie Woods who had swung around at the sound of the strange voice. “Andreas,” Nic gasped and Maxim’s heart pounded against his ribs at the horror in his lover’s voice. He knew he was in mortal danger from the nightwalker holding him in a death grip. “Let him go!” Nic demanded, having regained his equilibrium. “Your quarrel is with me, not him.” “Quarrel? My dear Nico, I have no wish to quarrel with you, I have much pleasanter pursuits in mind.” He drew his arm tighter around Maxim’s neck, forcing his prisoner’s head back, stretching his neck further. “You do like them young and lithe, don’t you, my Nico? This one smells delicious,” Andreas added, pointedly rubbing his nose along the side of Maxim’s neck to draw the man’s scent deep into his nostrils. Maxim shuddered when Andreas switched from smelling him to licking his way back up his neck, whispering in his ear, “You are exquisite, Nico must enjoy tasting you. You do, don’t you, Nico? His scent is so powerful, Nico, I can almost taste his blood. Shall I have a small taste?” “No! Don’t touch him!” Andreas laughed, the sound echoing around the shop. “Not touch him? I’m going to do more than touch him.” Andreas’ other hand, which until then had been pressing against his abdomen, slid up Maxim’s chest until he brushed against a nipple. Even through his shirt, Maxim felt the sharp nail as it scraped his skin of his aureole, before squeezing and flicking his nipple, forcing Maxim to suck in a breath. “So responsive,” Andreas went on. Nic made to step forward and Andreas lowered his mouth until his lips brushed Maxim’s pulse point, the threat very evident. Nic stood perfectly still. “I could hardly believe it when I heard you were looking into that ridiculous old religious legend. I thought you’d learned enough about the stupidity of such thinking after I got rid of the idiot, Paolo. He filled your head with nonsense, and yet here you are, still choosing to believe the lies. It is past time you accepted the truth of who you are, who you will ever be.” Tightening his

on RefLection 187 grip on Maxim, Andreas queried, “You want this? Then what are you waiting for? Take him! Or should I do it for you? Make him as I made you. Why not?” As Andreas continued to taunt Nic, Maxim stared at his lover, trying to get him to look his way. Not to see him as a pawn in the madman’s power, but to look into his eyes. As Andreas spoke of turning him, Nic did finally gaze into his eyes, and Maxim held the look, desperately trying to send his lover a silent message as his eyes flicked down to the casket still held tightly in Nic’s hands. §§§ Nic felt paralyzed at the sight of Maxim in Andreas’ arms; it was far too reminiscent of what had happened to his Paolo. He couldn’t bear the thought of history repeating itself. Lords! I’ll die first! He was all set to make his move when his eyes met those of his lover. Nic did not see despair in Maxim’s eyes; he saw only determination. Heart swelling at the resilience of the man who dared to love him, Nic saw where Maxim’s gaze tracked to. Nic’s fingers were still on the clasp. With a last glance into his lover’s eyes, he turned to stare at Andreas. In the split second it had taken for Maxim and Nic to have their silent communication, the other nightwalker still nuzzled Maxim’s neck, taunting Nic. As if sensing the change in mood, Andreas pulled back minutely from Maxim, his expression darkening as he said, “No, I’ve decided not to turn him. We don’t need him.” Andreas opened his mouth wide, letting Nic see as his fangs slowly descended. He was so full of himself and his power over them that he missed the snick of the clasp when Nic released the lock. “I accepted the truth a long time ago.” Nic extended his arms at full stretch, thrusting the casket directly in front of Andreas’ face as the lid fell back. “I also learned there is more than one truth,” Nic added, praying he was right to believe. Because of the way he held the box, Nic couldn’t see what was inside, but he clearly witnessed the light of the multiple candles reflected in Andreas’ eyes as they widened at whatever he saw in

188 Stevie Woods the box. Andreas was silent, no sound issuing from his wide open mouth. The only sound Nic heard was the gasp from Maxim. Abruptly, Andreas screamed. His body went stiff, his arm like a vise across Maxim’s throat. For an instant, Nic thought he had made a terrible mistake. Then, as suddenly as it started, Andreas’ scream ceased. His eyes seemed frozen in their sockets, the irises fading to the darkest black as his flesh turned a sickly dark grey. Web-like cracks spread across skin that crinkled like old, driedout paper until, with a sound reminiscent of a leaves crushed underfoot on an autumn morning, Andreas’ body collapsed into a cloud of dust which dissipated before it even reached the floor. All that was left of Andreas was a few motes of dust floating in the air before they, too, vanished. Nic’s hands shook as he reached forward and gathered a bewildered Maxim into his embrace, hardly daring to believe that he was safe. After a moment, Maxim gasped, “Please, Nic, I need to breathe, I think you may have cracked a rib.” Nic released him immediately, pulling back enough to look at Maxim. Maxim smiled. “I love you, too.” Nic took a deep breath, and Maxim reached down to take the now-closed casket from his hands. “Now it is your turn, my love,” Maxim said softly. Nic stared at the spot where a few minutes before Andreas had stood, large as life and just as deadly. “But what if… I could vanish just the way he did.” “No,” Maxim assured him. “When you held the talisman, there was no reflection from Andreas.” “No,” Nic agreed. “There wouldn’t be. He was a nightwalker, as I am.” “But I saw you reflected in the crystal,” Maxim said earnestly. “When you held it out toward him, I saw multiple reflections of the room caught in the many facets of the gem. I saw my reflection, and I clearly saw you. But of Andreas there was nothing. Whatever it was that he saw was apparently for his eyes

on RefLection 189 only. We know the talisman is more than just a legend. Use it, Nic. You deserve its reward.” Nic stared at his lover; he was afraid. He wanted so very much to stay with Maxim, and if he was wrong it would all be over. It wasn’t that he was afraid of death; he was afraid of leaving Maxim. But it was unfair to keep this man who was so full of life tied to a dead man. In his present form, that was all Nic could ever be. He retrieved the box, turning the opening to him. Taking one last look at Maxim, he took a deep breath, and opened the casket. On a bed of thick black velvet it sat, exactly as described in Leliel’s document: a large, multi-faceted crystal, pointed at one end, the opposite end encased in a gold setting attached to a thin gold chain. Nic’s gaze was caught by the reflections dancing in every facet. He saw the room reflected from many different angles, the illumination from the candles merging and separating over and over. He saw Maxim staring at him, his mouth slightly open. And he saw himself, his eyes wide with apprehension. Nic braced himself for whatever horror he might see, but his reflection didn’t change. Then one of the facets of the crystal pulsed with a faint yellow light that was abruptly magnified within the talisman to shoot out from the narrow tip directly toward Nic. It bathed him in its glow. A sharp pain grew in his chest and seemed to fill his whole being. He cried out, and then everything faded.

chAPteR tWenty-thRee Maxim hadn’t been able to voice his fear when Nic had opened the casket. Part of him trusted that Leliel wouldn’t give Nic the opportunity to use the talisman if he didn’t meet the criteria, but that belief was outweighed by the doubt that he was asking his lover to risk his very existence. He’d wanted to beg Nic not to use it, yet at the same time, he prayed Nic had the courage to open the box and look into the talisman. The moment the light had enveloped Nic, causing him to scream in evident pain, Maxim’s heart skipped a beat. He leapt forward but was an instant too late to catch Nic before he hit the floor with a thud. “Nic! Oh, by the Divine, what have I done?” “You had faith that he would succeed,” Leliel said from behind him. From his place on his knees beside Nic, Maxim twisted around. “Leliel! I thought you’d left. Help him, please?” “I was here all the time, but beyond your view. It was his due to face his destiny alone. It is not in my purview to do more than observe.” Looking at Nic, Leliel smiled. “And now he needs no more help from me.” “But he looks… he’s not breathing,” Maxim said desperately. “He will again soon. It’s been a long time; his body is not used to it.” “You mean.” Maxim switched his gaze from Leliel back to Nic. “You mean he’s alive, really alive?” “Of course. I knew he would succeed. I’ve been watching him for some time.” Leliel knelt down beside them. “You have no idea how rare it is for me to find someone who can use this,” he added, picking up the talisman and replacing it in the box. “If I hadn’t been the worse for wear at the time I’d never have taken the bet,” he muttered under his breath, but Maxim heard him.

192 Stevie Woods Maxim frowned. “Bet? Look, you might smite me or something for asking, but are you really an angel? You don’t look at all the way I expected an angel would.” Leliel laughed, his eyes sparkling with amusement. “And how would you know what an angel would look like?” “All right, I don’t, but…” Maxim shook his head in confusion, but when Nic moaned he promptly gave up all thought of angels. “Nic, Nic,” he cried. “Give him time,” Leliel said quietly. Nic’s eyes flew open and he looked around wildly, instantly relaxing when he saw Maxim holding him. “You’re fine, Nic. Leliel is here and he told me everything is fine now.” “I’m still here,” Nic said wonderingly, his eyes tracking to Leliel. “Thank you. For everything, not least for giving me back my life.” “Speaking of which,” Maxim interjected, “he has… existed for two hundred years.” “So, how old is he now?” Leliel picked up the question. He looked at Nic, “How old were you when Andreas turned you?” “Twenty-nine,” Nic said nervously. “Then that’s the age your body is now.” “Twenty-nine.” Maxim smiled. “The perfect age for me.” Leliel nodded and got to his feet. Maxim was sure he was going to leave and his desire for answers prompted him to ask, “Leliel, you were starting to tell me a little about yourself ?” Nic looked interested at that, and with Maxim’s help he stood up. Maxim leaned close and explained quickly to him, “I said he didn’t look the way an angel should, and he said something about creating the talisman because of a bet.” “I didn’t say that at all!” Leliel declared and when Maxim raised a doubtful eyebrow, Leliel added, “Well, not exactly.” He sighed. “I suppose a brief explanation wouldn’t be amiss. I’m

on RefLection 193 not really what you would call an angel. You people do need to seem to create all kinds of beings to elevate and believe in.” He held up a hand when it was clear that Nic was going to comment. “I appreciate that not everyone shares the beliefs, but that is not pertinent to my tale. Suffice to say, there are many kinds of beings beyond your understanding, but that doesn’t make them divine or worthy of your worship. Nightwalkers are a case in point. Their creation came about because one of those beings got bored and began to mess about with the building blocks of humankind. You wouldn’t consider such a creature worthy of worshipping, would you?” Maxim shook his head. Nic just looked shocked. “Well, one night a long time ago, I was imbibing a little too freely with a friend, and we got into an argument about the rights and wrongs of interference. He declared that interference of any kind was inherently wrong. I said not if the interference was trying to correct what another had already corrupted. I cannot even remember how we came to choose nightwalkers as an example, but I argued that a person so changed had a right to a second chance. My friend was of the opinion that the original person no longer existed, so changed was he by the evil he had become. “As I said, I’d been drinking, and I said I could prove he was wrong. He took me up on it.” “So you’re not really an angel at all?” Nic frowned at Leliel, “What, then, are you?” “You won’t have heard of my people, and it doesn’t really matter anyway. The point is, I was able to prove my case. Not as often as I would like; you’re only the sixth nightwalker who has ever earned my reward in over two thousand years. Still, it has been worth it.” “Two thousand years?” Nic sounded awed. Maxim put his arm around Nic’s shoulder, but spoke to Leliel. “No, it doesn’t matter who or what you really are. As far as I’m concerned, you are an angel.”

194 Stevie Woods “Yes, and I don’t know how to thank you,” Nic added. “Yes you do; live the life you should have done, Nicolo d’Volenzkya.” With that Leliel vanished. §§§ Maxim stared at the space where Leliel had been only a second earlier. “I don’t care what he calls himself; he fits my idea of a mystical creature.” “A difference that makes no difference is no difference. Heard that somewhere, never seen a better example of it,” Nic said dryly. “How are you feeling, really?” Nic looked at him and his eyes slowly widened. “I feel… tired, and my chest aches. I remember now,” he said with wonder. “When the glow from the crystal hit me, I had a terrible pain in my chest; this feels like a faint echo of that.” Maxim embraced him. “I want to take you home and have a good look at your body, make sure you have no other aches and pains.” He smiled. “I want to know how you feel.” “Oh, Divinity!” Nic breathed. “So do I. Oh please, Max, make me feel… alive.” §§§ The trip back to their home was a revelation for Nic; he was so used to nightwalker strength and stamina that he was shocked by how exhausted he felt when they finally arrived. “Remind me to buy a horse and carriage in the morning,” he grumbled. “The morning, Nic. We can greet the morning together,” Maxim said excitedly. “To see the sun properly without hiding indoors,” Nic replied breathlessly. “To feel its heat on my face.” “But first you need to rest,” Maxim said, smiling broadly. “Come on, let’s get you to bed.”

on RefLection 195 “Rest?” Nic grinned as they moved into their bedroom. “I think I need to relax completely before I can really rest.” “Hmm, I think I can help with that.” And help Maxim did. Warm hands skimmed over Nic’s body, and he was amazed at how different he felt. He had lost count of how many times he had made love with Max, but it had never felt like this. Maxim’s touch sent tendrils of fire winging through his body. His lover began with a gentle massage, to relax Nic and allow him to experience the sensations of his own body. To feel the blood pounding in his veins, his heart beating a tattoo against his ribs, the breath being drawn in deeply and expelled in sighs of pleasure. As Nic’s moans turned to cries and demands for more, Max’s hands moved to more intimate areas until a desperate Nic rolled them so that Maxim was underneath him. Nic stared at Max for a moment before leaning forward to steal a kiss. They clung to each other, sharing kiss after kiss, never losing contact as they rocked against each other. Perspiration and leaking pre-come eased their movements as they glided, one against the other. Maxim slipped his hand between their bodies, and Nic hissed as his lover took both of their cocks in his hand, working them together as they slid faster and faster through the circle of his cupped hand. At one time he’d thought that feeding while taking a man’s body was the height of passion, but he came to understand how wrong he was. Taking blood gave pleasure of its own kind to a nightwalker as he spent himself inside a man’s body, but falling in love with Paolo had taught him how much better it was when the act was performed with a loved one. But this? He had never made love as a human, merely indulged in sex. The sharing of oneself so completely, human to human: the sensations were more primal, vital. He felt as if his body was finely tuned, and Max knew how to make it sing. He was getting close; he could feel it tingling all through his body. “Close, so close,” Nic murmured, his mouth next to

196 Stevie Woods Maxim’s ear. “Would you like to come inside me?” Maxim whispered, releasing their cocks and edging Nic onto his side so they were facing each other. “Oh, Lords, yes.” Maxim smiled. “How do you want me?” “On your back, I want to watch you.” Nic moved aside as Maxim made himself comfortable. “I know I have made love to you many times, but this feels like it’s the first time. Does that sound odd?” “Perhaps, yet I understand what you mean. It feels different for me, too, to know that we can be together in every way possible, as long as we both shall live.” “Yes, I will live… and die by your side.” Nic smiled. “But now I want to affirm how alive I am by making you feel more alive than you ever have.” Maxim lifted his legs, opening himself fully to Nic. “I’m waiting,” he said, grinning. Nic moved forward and Maxim rested his legs on Nic’s shoulders. Nic placed his cock against his lover’s entrance, and holding Maxim’s gaze as he pushed slowly inside. Maxim sucked in his breath as Nic kept pushing until he was fully seated. When he felt that Max was ready, Nic pulled out almost all the way before thrusting back in . Keeping his eyes on Max all the time, Nic set up a steady rhythm. “More,” Maxim demanded, and Nic joyfully gave him everything he wanted.

“Oh, Divinity, Nic, you feel wonderful.”

“I do, Maxim, I do. I feel absolutely, wonderfully alive!”

The End

About the AuthoR STEVIE WOODS is a Brit living in the Northwest of England and has recently been able to leave her day job behind - though it’s a quandary that there still doesn’t seem to be much more free time in her day! A long time avid reader of romance with a dash of adventure, Stevie only stumbled over ‘slash’ pairings a few years ago and was an immediate convert. Having dabbled with writing on and off for years, it wasn’t long before Stevie was tapping away on the keyboard inventing stories around two hot guys, gaining her first publication in the summer of 2007. Stevie likes reading stories with a good strong plot and believable characters and does her best to create them in her own work. Stevie has a soft spot for Historical settings but also thoroughly enjoys SF and Fantasy, Paranormal and Contemporary, finding the similarities as intriguing as the differences. Stevie already has a variety of novels, novellas and short stories released by Torquere Press, Phaze Books and MLR Press. Stevie is happy to hear from her readers via http://www.steviewoods.com